We are pleased to announce that the Library of Virginia has become the fifth state to join the Plinkit Collaborative. Plinkit is software for libraries to use in creating smart, new web sites for their patrons. It was a co-recipient of the 2008 ASCLA Leadership and Professional Achievement Award at ALA in Anaheim this year. Colorado, Illinois, Oregon and Texas are already members.

Plinkit stands for "Public Library Interface Kit." Plinkit is built using Plone, an open-source content management system. Library web sites are created and edited right through the web, using built-in text editors and other powerful features that make it easy for library staff to keep their content current. The Plinkit platform allows small libraries with limited funding to develop a professional looking web site that gives patrons quick access to catalogs, databases, calendars, information and events.

"Virginia is pleased to offer this hosting service at no charge to our library systems,” said Elizabeth M. Lewis, Director of Library Development and Networking at the Library of Virginia. “Plinkit helps fulfill a longstanding goal to improve accessibility to Internet resources including the statewide database project, Find It Virginia. In the current economic climate, maximizing all resources is essential.”

Created in Oregon in 2006, the goal of the Plinkit Collaborative is to pool funds in support of software development, training, documentation, and marketing activities. For more information, visit www.Plinkit.org or email jshaffner@BCR.org.