Vendor Chosen, Starting This Fall
The State Library is excited to make this important announcement. Stat Courier is the vendor that has been awarded the contract for providing a statewide delivery system for Iowa public libraries. The contract has now been signed by both parties and we are moving forward with the process of launching this much-anticipated interlibrary loan delivery service this fall.
The project will offer at least one-day-per-week ILL delivery to every public library in Iowa. State Library staff are working with Stat Courier to anticipate questions that libraries are sure to have. We will develop an FAQ page for our website. We will also have a form available to submit any questions not addressed by our FAQ; the form will also be useful for providing feedback as the project begins.
State Librarian Michael Scott has more: “So here’s the million dollar question: when will the delivery service start? Short answer: mid-October at the earliest. Longer answer: State Library management will meet with Stat Courier representatives the first week in September to determine the roll-out and procedures for libraries. Stat Courier is an experienced provider of this type of service and has worked with many library systems, so we are confident that they will efficiently lead us through this process. Stat Courier believes that mid-October is an achievable goal, but please understand this service is being built from the ground up, so your patience will be appreciated. State Library staff and I have heard from many librarians who are excited for this to get up and going—we are too! Look for more information coming soon…”
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New Look With Concrete5 Platform
The State Library’s SILO Team is introducing a new website platform for all PLOW libraries. PLOW stands for “Putting Libraries on the Web,” a State Library program providing freely hosted websites, as well as email addresses, for public libraries for over 10 years.
The new website content management software is called Concrete5, which offers a fresh, modern appearance and easy to use editing tools. Among the many benefits:
- Fewer steps to adding content
- Improved WYSIWYG editor with drag-and-drop capabilities
- Improved appearance for mobile phones and tablets
Any public library in Iowa can receive a new Concrete5 PLOW website free of charge. This is true of libraries currently using a PLOW site or any libraries wishing to acquire one. Because Concrete5 is an entirely different platform, no old content will be carried over to the new website. This will require all website managers to begin with a fresh Concrete5 layout and theme, building the new library website up from scratch.
The new Concrete5 websites will continue to be hosted and supported by SILO, which will also host the old software indefinitely. The old software called PLONE cannot be updated, so the old system will need to be phased out if and when it becomes unsupported or jeopardized by security risks. Therefore, current PLOW libraries are encouraged to move forward with the new Concrete5 website platform sooner rather than later.
Request a Concrete5 Website
All library directors intending to transition to a new Concrete5 site must first contact their District Library Resource Technician (LRT for short) The District LRTs will send all requests to the SILO Team, who will set up the basic website structure. So this is the first step—and an easy one! Use the CONTACT US page for Amanda Grom—NW and SW. Trisha Hicks—NC and NE. And Dori Buls—Central and SE.
Concrete5 Training Information
The State Library offered a preview of the new Concrete5 websites last Friday; that demonstration was recorded and is available on the webinar archives page
Additionally, in-person classes are scheduled in several locations across the state beginning in September. All classes are now in the C.E. Catalog, register soon because seating is limited and they’re filling up fast!
Hands-On Workshops Oct-Nov
Youth Services Consultant Angie Manfredi will be offering hands-on workshops titled “Build Your Own Storytime Toolkit.” Launching in October, these hands-on workshops are designed to help children’s services staff present the best possible literacy and play-based programs for ages 0-6. Participants will learn best practices in selecting books, music, rhymes, and more. This workshop is equally suited for long-time presenters looking for fresh insight, as well as new-to-the-game librarians ready to expand their skills.
Participants should come prepared to put storytime skills into real-time practice. Translation: be ready to read, rhyme, sing, and dance with each other! The day will include learning rhymes, observing each other presenting storytimes, practicing with props, discussing what works well and what your struggle with in your own storytimes.
This is a day-long workshop to include a one-hour lunch break; lunch is on your own. Due to the active, hands-on nature of this program, registration is limited to 30 people in each location. If you happen to miss this fall round of workshops, they will be offered again in the fall of 2020. Registration is open in the C.E. Catalog, check there to find the date and location nearest you.
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