Michlibrary.org Website Review

Websites for over 100 Michigan libraries provided by vendor Enfold Systems and subsidized at the Library of Michigan with Library The Library of Michigan subsidizes website hosting for Michigan libraries through Ploud (Public Libraries in the Cloud). Training is offered around the state as updates become available or as necessary to meet the needs of staff turnover, generally during a fall workshop receive a choice of four templates with multiple color schemes, hosting, a help desk, and ongoing development. You may use a domain name of your own choosing with Ploud; there's no need to change web addresses.  Ploud serves over half of the small and rural libraries in the lower peninsula. You can see those sites under Michigan Sites. It's a great list to get ideas from about what you can do with a Ploud template. Ploud comes with carousels, or rotating images, which you can use on any page; optional drag and drop page layouts; a selection of MeL databases which can easily be extended for your patron base; an easy-to-use calendar for library events; a News section; a Kids & Te*ns area; and a Contact Us form. From there you can develop any new content that you’d like. Your Ploud website can be as small or as Admission to the program is on a rolling basis; you can join at any time. If you are interested in more information about Ploud, please contact Sonya Schryer Norris at [email protected] or 517-373-4457.  This year, instead of regional training, LM is producing a series of instructional and show-and-tell videos that review Ploud functionality, tour strong examples of Michigan Ploud sites, and provide helpful hints on implementing best practices in website development and user experience. They can be seen on this site as they become available and they will be announced on the listserv. To stay updated on the progress of Ploud in Michigan, please check back at this website or join the Ploud listserv Need more information? Contact Sonya Schryer Norris at the Library of Michigan at 517-373-4457 or email her at [email protected].