Ploud (Public Libraries in the Cloud) is a feature-rich and easy to use library-specific website template used in a variety of states. Over 100 libraries in Michigan use Ploud.
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It includes an advanced calendar, carousels, the ability to use drag and drop elements to create your own page layouts, Google mapping for your library location, and many more bonuses. Event registration software is currently
in Beta.
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There is a minimal price tag for the libraries with the remainder of the cost paid for with Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) dollars. This year, the cost to each library will be $200. LM conducts full-day, regional training
around the state in the fall. The vendor maintains a help desk year round.
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Ploud provides an easy-to-learn, easy-to-update website template with four different themes ("looks") that each have between four and a dozen color schemes. It is designed for libraries without specialized technology staff but
it is easily expandable for libraries that wish to do more. Most libraries who use Ploud are single buildings but Michigan has several library systems with multiple branches who make good use of Ploud.
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The technology "heavy lifting" of versioning, programming, security, and product updates is done by the vendor, Enfold Systems.
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You can view more about Ploud at
http://www.michlibrary.org/. Here are some example sites to give you an idea of what you can expect from Ploud:
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http://www.buchananlibrary.org/
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http://www.cadillaclibrary.org/
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http://www.camdenlibrary.org/
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http://hart.ploud.net/
The LM is currently accepting new applications for Ploud libraries in Michigan. Contact Sonya Schryer Norris at norriss2@michigan.gov or
517-373-4457 for more information.
Sonya Schryer Norris
Library of Michigan
702 W. Kalamazoo St.
Lansing, MI 48909
517-373-4457
http://michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan
Our collective efforts can help make Michigan a Top 10 education state in 10 years! Here are the goals and strategies:
http://mi.gov/top10in10/
