What is it??
E-branch in a Box is a new initiative from the Idaho Commission for Libraries (ICFL) to assist Idaho libraries in having a web presence, which is defined as having a vital website that is an extension of the library providing information about or access to library services.
How can I participate?
Fill out a copy of the user agreement and mail it to us. You should also contact Michael Samuelson at (208) 334-2150 (in the Boise calling area) or (800) 458-3271 (in-state long distance) or email, so we can get the ball rolling on your new site.
Why is having a “web presence” important for Idaho libraries?
- A 2006 Pew Internet & American Life Project survey shows that 73% of American adults (age 18+) go online to use the internet or email. www.pewinternet.org/.
- “Convenience trumps quality every time… It is the job of librarians to make quality convenient.” - Stewart Bodner, Associate Chief Librarian, New York Public Library
- “Idaho libraries are the nexus of global information, innovative services, and community, enabling us to sustain our history, empower our present, and create our future.” – Idaho Libraries 2020 Vision http://libraries.idaho.gov/futures
- A library web site can become a branch of the library by providing access to library services 24/7.
Why is the Idaho Commission for Libraries providing this service?
In 2005 when the Commission surveyed Idaho library web sites, we found fewer than half had a web site. Of those, only 6 met basic criteria determined to be essential information for current and potential library users.
These include:
- Library Name
- Library address – both mailing address and street address, if different (includes branch information if applicable)
- Library phone number
- Online contact (email address or contact form)
- Hours of operation
- Library Board member names
- Link to the online catalog (if applicable)
- Link to the LiLI Portal or, a link to the individual Lily Databases and the LiLI Unlimited statewide catalog with the “funded by LiLI” icon/button
- Description of library services available to patrons
- Site content is current and all pages indicate when “last updated” or “last reviewed”
Idaho librarians told us that lack of time and technical expertise were two big challenges to having a web presence. With that in mind, the Commission decided to provide an easy to use, open-source-based system for library web sites. This tool is now available and ICFL will provide training to librarians who want to use it to create a dynamic web site.
How much will it cost to use this service and where can I host our web site?
Drupal, which is the system the project is built on top of, is an open source content management system, which is available free. The Commission has already created web site templates that are ready to be customized for your library. ICFL will host your web site free of charge.
After our web site is online, how will I be able to maintain it?
In minutes a month, depending on how involved your updates are, you can update your web site from anywhere you have Internet access. All you need is a web browser, and that's it! Everything else is built into your site. Once you login, you can edit content, add new pages, and remove old ones!
For information and support with your site, you can visit this web site. We provide a handbook with documentation on the system and an FAQ. Other than a few tricky tasks, if you're comfortable using a computer, we don't think you'll actually have too much need to access these resources. You'll get the hang of it pretty quickly.
Where can I get more information?
Call Michael Samuelson at 334-2150 (Boise area) or (800) 458-3271 or email: michael.samuelson@libraries.idaho.gov.
