Real EZ Web Pilot Program

Applications Sought

The Missouri State Library is pleased to announce a new program, REAL EZ Web, designed to give public libraries an easy and economical way to establish a website. This program targets public libraries with no website, or an underdeveloped one. To determine if your library is eligible to participate in this program, see REAL EZ Web Application Eligibility Requirements.

Websites are an important form of marketing in today’s world.  They can also help libraries to reach otherwise unserved or underserved customers. A library’s website serves as the electronic gateway to its resources. It can extend the library’s hours of service through remote access to the catalog and electronic databases. A library website can and should be a vital information portal for its community. Yet, we recognize that many public libraries do not have the staff or the resources to create and host a site.

To address this need, the Missouri State Library has worked with MOREnet to develop REAL EZ Web, a library website template service. Each library is responsible for developing and maintaining its own website using the REAL EZ Web template. No knowledge of HTML or other programming codes is required. The sites will be hosted through MOREnet. 

MOREnet will provide regional, one-day training sessions on implementing and maintaining the site. Participants should have basic mouse and web browser skills. When possible, libraries are encouraged to send two staff members to training. Libraries should have a functional and appealing website by the end of the session. The first regional training is tentatively scheduled for the end of August 2008, at a site to be determined based on the project applicant pool. Participants will be notified of any materials that should be brought to the workshop.

The initial two years will be fully supported by the Missouri State Library through use of REAL Program funds. After two years, REAL EZ Web will be reevaluated to determine its effectiveness and how best to continue funding the program. It is hoped the program will remain fully funded beyond the initial two years, however in the event of funding cuts or other revenue losses, program fees based on a library’s ability to pay may need to be assessed in the future.

If your library would like to participate in the REAL EZ Web pilot program, complete the REAL EZ Web Program Application Form and mail it to the Missouri State Library as listed below. Applications are due August 31, 2008.

Questions regarding this project can be directed to Jean Morrison at the Missouri State Library, 800-325-0131, ext. 11 or by email at jean.morrison@sos.mo.gov.

To participate in this project, mail completed application by August 31, 2008 to:

Jean Morrison, Technology Consultant
Missouri State Library
600 West Main Street, P.O. Box 387
Jefferson City MO 65102-0387

REAL EZ Web Application [ PDF ]

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