Services
Connections and network infrastructure
Most information about connectivity and network infrastructure can be answered by our FAQ . Please contact the OPLIN Support Center if you need further information.
OPLIN Connectivity Services to Ohio Public Libraries
The OPLIN Support Center can assist you with obtaining circuits under state contracts, as well as other connectivity services. You can contact them at 1-888-966-7546 or support@oplin.org. Please review this document carefully before submitting a circuit request.
Services and estimated prices are subject to change at any time. This document is changed periodically; always contact the OPLIN Support Center for updates to this document.
- General Information Regarding All Circuit Requests
- General Information for CLEVNET and CLC Libraries
- Moving a Circuit
- Disconnecting a Circuit
- Demarc Extension
- Type A Service (Circuit with full network management)
- Type B Service (Circuit-only service, no network management)
- Type C Service (Circuits added to the OPLIN-provided circuit)
- Type D Service (DS3 connections)
- Type E Service (Ethernet connections)
- Router Services
- DNS Services
- Domain Name Registration
General Information Regarding All Circuit Requests
OPLIN provides Internet connections to Ohio library systems (one connection per system). Support for those OPLIN-provided connections is done via the OPLIN Support Center.
Our current procedure is to quarterly sample the amount of bandwidth used by each library over the course of a working week. Once the average circuit utilization during afternoon hours exceeds 80% on three of the five sample days, OPLIN will provide additional bandwidth to that library.
OPLIN also facilitates the acquisition of additional circuits under Ohio state contracts. All requests for circuits must be made by a library director or his or her designee. Libraries are given the opportunity to specify who may authorize such a request on the OPLIN Connectivity Survey (conducted annually, usually in the fall). Requests submitted by anyone other than the director or designee may be subject to verification, and delay the processing of the request. Libraries should expect the completion time for each circuit request to take up to 60 days from the date the request is last submitted. Circuit requests must have a completion date.
Please review your circuit requests carefully before submitting them to the Support Center, as subsequent changes to the address of one or both of the points, the request type, or the service type may require the original request to be cancelled and a new request submitted with the correct information.
OPLIN DOES NOT SUPPORT CIRCUITS AND NETWORK EQUIPMENT NOT OBTAINED THROUGH OPLIN.
General Information for CLEVNET and CLC Libraries
Libraries that belong to the CLC or to CLEVNET have authorized those consortia to seek network support or make circuit requests on their behalf. Those libraries should contact their consortia, not the OPLIN Support Center, for assistance with network matters.
Moving a Circuit
A move request is made when a library wishes to change the physical location of one end of an established circuit. The established circuit can be part of the OPLIN-provided service, or the library-paid services that are obtained through one of the offered service Types. If your library wishes to change both ends of an existing service, you must enter a request for a new Type A or Type B circuit, and a request to disconnect the old one once that is finished (see Disconnecting a Circuit, below).
Libraries planning to move a circuit should expect a 45-minute to 2-hour downtime, while the circuit is being moved.
Estimated One-Time Price for a T1 Circuit Move: $571 (NOTE: This fee will be waived if the library makes a 12-month commitment.)
Disconnecting a Circuit
This request is made to remove service at both ends of a circuit obtained through OPLIN. In cases where your library would like to replace an existing connection with a new circuit, disconnection is not automatic upon the installation of the new circuit. A separate OPLIN Circuit Disconnect Form must be submitted for each circuit that your library does not plan to keep.
There is no cost for this service. As with all circuit requests, disconnecting a circuit takes approximately seven working days from the date the request is last submitted.
Demarc Extension
The demarc (short for demarcation point) is the place where the circuit physically enters the building. The Service Interface Unit, or "Smartjack," can be found at the demarcation point. In cases where the demarcation point is located in a closet or equipment room and the user equipment is located in another part of the building, internal wiring work is required to "extend" the demarcation point to the desired location in your building.
Libraries can only initiate demarc extension requests through OPLIN as part of a new circuit or circuit move request. Requests to extend the demarc of an established circuit can be coordinated directly between the library and their local telephone company or contractor. However, if the demarc extension is necessary due to construction, the request should go through OPLIN, because the entire circuit must move.
Type A Service
Type A Service allows libraries and branches to connect directly to the OPLIN core in Columbus. (For circuits connecting branches to main libraries, see Type B Service below.) It provides both a circuit and full network management. It is recommended that main libraries wishing to add additional T1s to their main OPLIN connection in order to increase bandwidth review Type C Service below. Type A Service includes:
- A T1 or other connection from a library branch building directly to the OPLIN hub in Columbus
- All necessary router and CSU/DSU equipment
- CSU/DSU and router configuration
- CSU/DSU and router maintenance
- Network equipment monitoring
- IP address allocation
- Support for data line operability
- Domain name services (DNS)
- Internet access
- Estimated Prices, Type A Service (for T1 circuit):
- Telco Installation: $0
- Telco Monthly: $400
- Network Installation: $400
- Network Monthly: $280-320
Type B Service
Type B Service offers libraries the opportunity to obtain data lines using the State of Ohio contracted prices for the purpose of building their own networks behind the OPLIN-provided service. Type B Service typically connects branch libraries to main libraries, where they can connect to an OPLIN-provided connection to the Internet. Type B Service includes:
- A T1 or other data line between a library main building and a branch building
- Configuration of the OPLIN-provided router at Main Library
- Additional IP addresses (if needed)
- Estimated Prices, Type B Service (for T1 circuit):
- Telco Installation: $0
- Telco Monthly: $400
- Network Installation: $0
- Network Monthly: paid by OPLIN
Note: Type B Service does not include network management services and cannot connect the branch directly to the OPLIN hub in Columbus. Libraries contracting for Type B service must obtain network management elsewhere. Other services the library will need include:
- Networking equipment including two routers and two CSU/DSU units
- Internal wiring
- Installation and configuration services
- Ongoing support and maintenance
Type C Service
(Note: Because OPLIN automatically upgrades OPLIN-provided circuits that are saturated, this service should rarely be necessary.)
Type C Service is for public libraries that wish to increase the bandwidth provided by their standard OPLIN-provided connection, as well as to "load balance" the new circuit with the standard OPLIN-provided service connection at the main library. Upon request, OPLIN can provide a report on bandwidth usage with recommendations. Type C Service involves the circuit, network services, and load balancing.
With Type C Service, a library's second circuit must connect to the same locations, at both ends, as the OPLIN-paid service. (The two ends are generally the main library and the OPLIN Columbus hub). The library will be responsible for paying costs associated with the installation and monthly service of the second T1 circuit, as well as installation costs associated with upgrading the network equipment (if any). OPLIN will continue to pay monthly costs associated with the OPLIN provided circuit, and the maintenance and support for the network equipment.
Most libraries can add one additional circuit to the existing router. To add up to an additional two more T1s (for a total of four circuits, including the original OPLIN circuit) the router will be upgraded.
- Estimated Prices, Type C Service (for T1 circuit):
- Telco Installation: $0
- Telco Monthly: $400
- Network Installation: ?
- Network Monthly: $280-320
Type D Service
(Note: Because OPLIN automatically upgrades OPLIN-provided circuits that are saturated, this service should rarely be necessary.)
Libraries can add circuits as Type C Service for added bandwidth. Once they reach four circuits (the OPLIN standard plus four more) they may want to consider upgrading to a DS3 connection (Type D Service).
In this case the library will pay for the equipment upgrade, installation, and monthly circuit charges. For its part, OPLIN will pay the increased monthly network charges including the added Internet bandwidth.
- Estimated Prices, Type D Service:
- DS3 Telco Installation: $0
- Telco Monthly: $1800-$2300
- Network Installation and Equipment Upgrade: $15,500 (approximately)
- Network Monthly: paid by OPLIN
Type E Service
In many areas of the state, Ethernet (Type E) Service is now more economical than adding T1 or DS3 circuits. A 10 Mbps Ethernet circuit costs less than two 1.5 Mbps T1 circuits. Whenever OPLIN automatically upgrades OPLIN-provided circuits, Ethernet is our first choice. If you need to upgrade a connection between a branch and the main library, Ethernet may also be your best option. Ethernet may require some special construction at your building, and you should allow 12-14 weeks from the date the order is submitted (or the last date it is changed) for completion.
Type E service requires a router with two (2) Ethernet ports. If your router is not configured with two (2) Ethernet ports, a router upgrade will be required before this service can be installed. The library will pay for the router upgrade and router installation. Type E service requires the use of both Ethernet ports on your router, so if your library is utilizing video on the second router Ethernet port, that service will need to be moved to a switch on your local network.
- Estimated Prices, Type E Service (10 Mbps):
- This service is NOT available in all areas. For current pricing, installation, and availability information, please contact the OPLIN Support Center.
- Telco Installation: ?
- Telco Monthly: $700-$710
- Network Installation: ?
- Network Monthly: paid by OPLIN
Router Services
OPLIN support services end with the OPLIN-provided router (or circuit if there is no OPLIN-provided router). OPLIN-provided routers are managed by engineers with the State of Ohio Office of Information Technology (OIT) Network Operations group. Because libraries are responsible for all internal and branch connections, we try to accommodate library decisions, making changes as requested to router configuration.
OPLIN will configure the router as long as the request is one that will not impact the wide area network, or have, in the opinion of the network engineers, a seriously negative impact on library operations. There is no added charge for routine router configuration requests. Routine configuration includes:
- Video QoS:
- OPLIN can configure your router to accommodate video services. This is necessary to assure Quality of Service on the line and prioritize video traffic. Video Service will only be configured on circuits that connect a library building to the OPLIN hub and have an OPLIN-provided router on the library end.
- NAT/DHCP:
- OPLIN can configure your router to provide Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol and/or Network Address Translation to enable you to manage limited numbers of available public IP addresses.
- ACL Listing:
- An Access Control List limits the IP ranges that can pass through your router. It provides some security but should not be viewed as a total solution.
- ICMP Echo Blocking:
- OPLIN is able to block your router from being "pinged" by outside sources and destructive programs such as "worms" looking for vulnerabilities.
- SMNP:
- This configuration would allow read-only access to the OPLIN router from your internal network for purposes of monitoring bandwidth and traffic. Such access is only as far as the serial interface.
DNS Services
DNS servers allow you to reach another host from your host without having to provide the explicit address. Users typically prefer to use friendly names like "library.com" instead of an IP address "172.16.23.44." The DNS is a program consisting of a database of name and address information. The program responds to queries from other programs. DNS servers can communicate amongst themselves to update one another with new information. This mechanism is what allows you to reach a webpage on a new server when a friend sends you a link. You do not have to know the IP address of the server that contains the webpage.
If you would like OPLIN to serve as the primary DNS server for your domains, you must put in the transfer to give us the ability to do so. If you do not know who is providing your service, you can go to www.dotearth.com to find out. When you find the entity you are registered with, you need to fill out a transfer form to make the State of Ohio your primary or secondary DNS. The information for the State DNS is as follows:
- ns1.state.oh.us
- 156.63.130.100
- ns2.state.oh.us
- 156.63.130.68
- ns3.state.oh.us
- 156.63.130.75
- ns4.state.oh.us
- 156.63.130.120
Domain Name Registration
OPLIN provides free domain name registration for <yourlibrary.oplin.org> and <yourlibrary.lib.oh.us>. To register one of these names, use the form in OPLIN Self Service. If you wish to register a domain name other than <yourlibrary.lib.oh.us> or <yourlibrary.oplin.org>, such as <yourlibrary.org>, OPLIN can still help. While OPLIN cannot provide free registration or reimbursement for the registration, we can register the domain on your behalf via the Ohio Office of Information Technology, Infrastructure Services Division.
If it is available, whatever domain name you choose will be registered under the three most common top-level domains: ORG, COM, and NET (i.e. <yourlibrary.org>, <yourlibrary.com>, and <yourlibrary.net>). The domains will be registered on behalf of your library for nine years, unless you specify otherwise.
If you would like OPLIN to serve as the primary DNS server for your domains, you must put in the transfer to give us the ability to do so. If you do not know who is providing your service, you can go to www.dotearth.com to find out. When you find the entity you are registered with, you need to fill out a transfer form to make the State of Ohio your primary or secondary DNS. The registration information is as follows:
- Estimated Prices (Domain Name Registration):
- yourlibrary.lib.oh.us: $0
- yourlibrary.oplin.org: $0
- Any other DNS: $45/year
Dynamic Website Kits [BETA]
(This service is currently in BETA testing, with a limit of 10 libraries being able to participate. If you are interested in being a BETA tester, please contact OPLIN for details and BETA pricing.)
Are you thinking of upgrading your library's website?
Is your library ready to replace its outdated site with something that:
- Looks more professional?
- Is easier to manage and doesn't require a tech?
- Meets current standards for mobile and handicapped accessibility?
- Provides advanced Web 2.0 features and integration with many social media web sites?
- Presents your library to your community as a strong, credible institution?
OPLIN is pleased to offer Ohio's public libraries Dynamic Website Kits, a new service that provides all of these features and more at a modest cost. We understand that, in these budget-strapped times, it is more important than ever for public libraries to show their communities that they are vital and trustworthy institutions that can provide the same advanced features as other kinds of sites. We also know that library staff have even less time to manage their websites. OPLIN's Dynamic Website Kits offer a host of options for little investment of time and funds.
Why would your library want an OPLIN Dynamic Website Kit?
- The kit includes a full content management system (CMS). This means that library staff can control the entire content of the site without needing anyone to change back end code. It's as simple as writing an email or filling out an online form! Create new pages with a few clicks. Post news stories to your front page with no technical knowledge required. The Dynamic Website Kit makes managing your library's web site simple...finally!
- It's Web 2.0 ready. Want an RSS feed? Discussion forums? Polls? Blogs? Comments? All of these are featured in the basic, fixed-cost package and many social media add-ons are also available for a small cost.
- More advanced features. The kit also provides:
- Built-in site search;
- Ability to moderate comments (if your library chooses to have comments);
- Ability to categorize your content easily by keywords;
- An online contact form that can send to different email addresses, depending on the subject matter;
- A Word-like WYSIWYG editor for entering your content, so you don't have to know any code to put your items online;
- Function to upload and attach documents like PDFs to specific web pages;
- Automatically generated printer-friendly pages;
- A version of the site that is mobile-device friendly;
- A calendar and event listing system;
- A basic web analytics package to help your library see how your site is being used by its visitors.
- We do the upgrades for you. Don't have a tech? No worries! OPLIN not only hosts your site, but we do all of the required upgrades as needed to the site's systems.
- We do the graphics work for you. Each basic kit includes: (Additional custom work can be arranged for an additional cost. Please contact OPLIN for details.)
- Custom design of the header banner, including your logo if desired
- Customizing of colors of text, footer, side blocks and calendar
- Inclusion of the KnowItNow and Ohio Web Library logos and rotating database ad banner at footer of homepage
- Side block graphics as needed (e.g., Bookletters, OverDrive)
- Custom favicon
- It's standards-compliant. Unknown to many, other than professional IT staff or web developers, specific standards exist for the code that runs a website. When sites lack standard-compliant code, it can result in poor display in multiple browsers or total inaccessibility to the handicapped or to mobile devices. With the increasing use of web-enabled cell phones, being compliant is fast becoming a critical issue for many sites. Learn more here.
- Free training. We provide 3 hours of free, hands-on training for at least one staff person at the OPLIN office. We also provide some documentation and additional phone support. Additional training for up to 20 people on-site at your library is also available; please inquire for pricing.
- Free guidance during the design process. Our professionally-certified web designer staff will help you with incorporating basic usability and good design principles.
- No tech required. OPLIN does the installation, the design, the configuration and the hosting. All your library has to do is plug in its content.
- Lots of options. For a small fee, many useful add-ons are available for your Kit. You can see some samples here...but be careful, it's like being a kid in a candy shop!
PRICING
- OPLIN's pricing is modest. Our goal is to provide Ohio's public libraries with websites that can better meet the needs of both patrons and staff and be competitive in the rapidly-evolving environment of the World Wide Web. To learn about our special beta-test pricing, please call (614) 753-2828 or email OPLIN Support at support@oplin.org .
TIMELINE
As you might suspect, completion time varies depending on the specifications laid out during the planning stage. Don't hesitate to call us for further discussion of what a timeline for your library's site might be. But we're ready to get rolling with your library's site!
Website Kit Add-On Options [BETA]
- (Other modules can be requested by library clients on an "as-needed" basis--this is just a sample of some that libraries may find useful. Please note that not all modules are necessarily compatible with all versions of the Content Management System. Please contact OPLIN for further information.)
- Users looking for a ".mobi" domain will be automatically redirected to a site layout specifically for mobile devices. For example, users looking for http://www.your libraryurl.mobi would get the special layout automatically. COMPATIBLE WITH DRUPAL 5.x ONLY. More informatiion.
.mobi Loader
See a demo of a .mobi site layout:
- What a regular site looks like
- What the same site looks like on a mobile device using the .mobi Loader module (may take a minute or so to load)
Add to Any
Similar to the Wordpress version. Integrates a http://addtoany.com button to each page or front page story you create. This allows your users to essentially help spread your content to other places on the Web, such as Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and many more. You can see the button ("Share/Save") in action on OPLIN's 4Cast blog. It also allows your site's visitors to email an item to a friend or to bookmark it from one handy button. COMPATIBLE WITH DRUPAL 5.x and 6.x.- Once a content publisher has an Apture account, they can contextually link media to key terms they select on a page. The assets appear in a Javascript box that hovers over the term. Media that is embedded includes photos from Flickr, maps from Google, definitions from Wikipedia, and video from YouTube, but the admin interface allows you to customize your own choices.
- In plainer English: let's say you highlight the word "President." The Apture module automatically opens up a very intuitive interface that allows you to automatically find and link related content to the word. This could be videos, images, or websites like Wikipedia. A terrific way to provide context-sensitive info in a web page. COMPATIBLE WITH DRUPAL 5.x .
Apture
Biblio/Drupal Scholar
- This module allows users to manage and display lists of scholarly publications. COMPATIBLE WITH DRUPAL 5.x and 6.x.
- EndNote tagged and XML import/export
- RIS import
- bibTex import / export
- in-line citing of references in "page" or "story" node types (builds a reference list at the end of the node body)
- selectable output styles (original, CSE, APA and IEEE so far)
- taxonomy integration: register keywords as taxonomy and/or assign an entry to an existing vocabulary
- More information
- Live example
Block anonymous links
- BlockAnonymousLinks is a simple module which blocks comments from anonymous users that contain links. It relies on the fact that most spam messages contain hyperlinks and also on the fact that (for now) (most) spambots don't register on the sites they want to spam. It tries to block comment-spam at an early stage. COMPATIBLE WITH DRUPAL 5.x and 6.x.
- The book review module allows a site to publish book reviews. A book review is simply a specialized node, providing custom fields that are appropriate to writing a book review. COMPATIBLE WITH DRUPAL 5.x ONLY. Features include:
- Provides fields for booktitle, cover image, publisher, copyright, isbn, # of pages, price, synopsis, table of contents and the review text.
- Supports unlimited number of authors.
- Supports unlimited number of web links.
- Provides optional block allowing a link to an external bookstore, such as Amazon
- More information
- This module displays items from a cafepress shop (teeshirts, bags, mugs, etc.) in your website. It can also display a block with a randomly chosen item, optionally provide a link to the item as well as the shop and the "sell your own stuff" affiliate program. COMPATIBLE WITH DRUPAL 5.x ONLY.
- Allows administrators to set up parameterized breadcrumb trails for any item/page type. This allows (for example)"Home > User Blog > 2005 > January" style breadcrumbs on the node view page itself, synchronizing cleanly with custom views or pathauto aliases. (The basic OPLIN Website Kit comes with standard breadcrumbs.)COMPATIBLE WITH DRUPAL 5.x AND 6.x.
Book Review
Cafe Press integration
Custom Breadcrumbs
- The fbstatus module fetches your current Facebook status, using an individualized RSS feed provided by Facebook, and provides it as a block that you can display on your site, without entanglement with the RSS aggregator. COMPATIBLE WITH DRUPAL 5.x AND 6.x.
- The Frequently Asked Questions (faq) module allows users with the 'administer faq' permission to create question and answer pairs which they want displayed on the 'faq' page. The 'faq' page is automatically generated from the FAQ nodes configured. FAQ_Ask is an add-on to the FAQ module that allows users with the new 'ask question' permission to create a question which will be queued for an 'expert' to answer. COMPATIBLE WITH DRUPAL 5.x AND 6.x.
- The Five Star voting module adds a clean, attractive voting widget to pages and/or front page stories. COMPATIBLE WITH DRUPAL 5.x AND 6.x.
Facebook Status
FAQ/FAQ_Ask
Fivestar
- .
- Access photos on Flickr's site via their API. The module provides a filter for inserting photos and photosets and blocks for a user's recent photos and photosets. An example of use: a library can add photos to their Flickr account and they will automatically show up on the library's website. COMPATIBLE WITH DRUPAL 5.x AND 6.x.
- Provides integration with FriendFeed. COMPATIBLE WITH DRUPAL 5.x AND 6.x.
- Gives ordinary users and programmers the ability to show a Google Map on page with no programming required. COMPATIBLE WITH DRUPAL 5.x AND 6.x.
- Googtube allows users to embed YouTube and Google Videos. When users post a URL to videos on either of the two sites, the link is automatically converted to embed code. COMPATIBLE WITH DRUPAL 5.x ONLY.
- This module integrates Drupal user pictures with the service provided by Gravatar. If the user has a gravatar linked with his or her e-mail address, it will be used as their user picture for comments, posts, and profile. COMPATIBLE WITH DRUPAL 5.x AND 6.x.
- These modules allow users with proper permissions to upload images to the library's website. Thumbnails and additional sizes are created automatically. Allows users to upload and insert inline images into posts. It automatically generates an "Add image" link under fields of your choice. Clicking the link opens an image browsing window, displaying all images that have been uploaded through the Image module. (Lightbox2 is a common addition to this module; see description, below.) COMPATIBLE WITH DRUPAL 5.x AND 6.x.
- The Job Posting module adds a new node content type ('job posting') intended to facilitate the advertisement of available employment opportunities. COMPATIBLE WITH DRUPAL 5.x AND 6.x.
- Ability to show images in a virtual lightbox. Great for image galleries. Fancy pre-loader and transition when you click on the image. Requires the Image module. COMPATIBLE WITH DRUPAL 5.x AND 6.x.
- The Links checker periodically inspects the content of all nodes and tries to detect broken hypertext links by checking the.remote sites and evaluating the HTTP response codes. It maintains a table which can be viewed through the administrative interfaces and contains all its findings. It runs in the background, initially going through all nodes, and subsequently only checking updated and newly created content. This cycle can be set to run from zero every week or month. COMPATIBLE WITH DRUPAL 5.x ONLY.
- This module imports bibliographic information from the Millennium WebOpac (library catalog--check to see what system your library uses) and generates biblio type nodes, which can include real-time holdings information. COMPATIBLE WITH DRUPAL 5.x AND 6.x.
- Mollom helps you stop comment spam, contact form spam, forum spam, fake user accounts, etc. To do so, Mollom combines context analysis and accessible CAPTCHAs to optimize your site's accessibility and experience. COMPATIBLE WITH DRUPAL 5.x AND 6.x.
- Creates an "office hours" or "opening hours" field. Enables allowed hours restrictions, setting default hours, input validation and uses either a 24- or 12-hour clock. COMPATIBLE WITH DRUPAL 5.x ONLY.
- Break long pages into smaller ones by means of a "page" tag. COMPATIBLE WITH DRUPAL 5.x AND 6.x.
- This module allows nodes to be published and unpublished on specified dates. COMPATIBLE WITH DRUPAL 5.x AND 6.x.
- Integrates with the Event module (part of the basic service). Allows signups for events. (Very basic--cannot limit registration by age.) COMPATIBLE WITH DRUPAL 5.x AND 6.x.
- SimpleNews publishes and sends newsletters to lists of subscribers. Both anonymous and authenticated users can opt-in to different mailing lists. Various add-on modules can extend the functionality of this considerably as well. COMPATIBLE WITH DRUPAL 5.x AND 6.x.
- A module that gives the users on your site the ability to offer live support via Skype. COMPATIBLE WITH DRUPAL 5.x ONLY.
- Tagadelic is a module that allows your site to automatically generate a tag cloud from category terms. By merely altering font sizes, these lists suddenly gain a dimension. COMPATIBLE WITH DRUPAL 5.x AND 6.x.
- Automatically post new items to Twitter account. COMPATIBLE WITH DRUPAL 6.x ONLY.
- This module implements the z39.50 Protocol for Information Retrieval using PHP interface to the YAZ toolkit. With this module you can easily search or scan z39.50 targets (servers), such as the library catalog, in parallel using the standard Drupal search API and present the results. COMPATIBLE WITH DRUPAL 5.x ONLY.
Flickr
FriendFeed
GmapEZ
Googtube
Gravatar
Image and Image Assist (2 modules)
Job Posting
Lightbox2
Links Checker
Millennium ILS Integration
Mollom
Office Hours
Paging
Scheduler
Signup
SimpleNews
Skype Support
Tagadelic
Z39.50 Search
Other Drupal modules can be requested by library clients on an "as-needed" basis. Please contact OPLIN Support for additional information.
Most information about OPLIN's email service can be found in the Frequently Asked Questions section. For additional information or support, please contact the OPLIN Support Center.
OPLIN webMAIL: Getting Started Guide
A comprehensive guide to OPLIN webMAIL, with detailed instructions on every feature. In PDF format.
OPLIN webMAIL: Quickstart Guide
OPLIN's Quickstart Guide for webMAIL, in PDF format.
Using Your OPLIN E-mail Account
What is my e-mail address?
All OPLIN e-mail account addresses consist of the individual's userid followed by @oplin.org. For example, if your userid is "jdoe" then your e-mail address is: jdoe@oplin.org.
How do I access my e-mail?
There are two ways in which you can access your OPLIN e-mail account: through a POP e-mail client, or through the Web-based interface. Keep reading for directions on how to use both.
POP E-mail
We encourage the use of POP e-mail clients, such as:
- Thunderbird (http://www.mozilla.com/thunderbird/)
- Microsoft Outlook or Outlook Express (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/oe/)
(E-mail clients are very vulnerable to viruses; please install security patches, and consider purchasing anti-virus software).
To connect, you’ll need to configure your POP3 e-mail client with this information:
- Incoming mail server (POP3) = mail.oplin.org
- Outgoing mail server (SMTP)
- If you are using a public library computer, SMTP = mail.oplin.org
- If you are not in a public library, use your Internet service provider's SMTP server
- Your User Name and Password (mailed to your library's director)
Most e-mail clients are set to download messages to your workstation and delete them from the server. If messages are left on the server, your mailbox could reach its size limit (25 MB).
Using the Web-based mail interface
If you are traveling or away from your computer, you can use a Web-based interface to get to your OPLIN e-mail.
- Use a Web browser to go to http://mail.oplin.org.
- Enter your userid and password.
- Click INBOX to see your new messages.
- The functions of some of the buttons are not always clear. If you point the mouse to them and pause, words will pop up telling you what the button does ("Reply," "Forward," etc.).
You may use the OPLIN webMAIL interface as your primary e-mail access. However, each account is limited to 25 MB of storage. A warning message will alert you when you approach that limit, and you will have to regularly purge your sent, stored, and incoming mail so that your account does not become locked.
Need Help?
For further assistance call the OPLIN Support Center at 1-888-966-7546 or support@oplin.org. They will be able to assist you in using your OPLIN e-mail account and with any other questions regarding your OPLIN service.
Facebook applications
If your library has a Facebook account, OPLIN now has two applications that can be added.
- Ohio Web Library--search the Ohio Web Library directly from an embedded widget which can be accessed from either your wall page or boxes page
- about:books [BETA]--Search the new beta service about:books to get quick information by keyword, author, title and more.
If you have questions about these or how to install them to your Facebook account, please contact OPLIN Support.
Find-A-Library
Internet Filtering Assistance Program
In the current biennium budget, the State Legislature allocated funds to OPLIN for assisting public libraries with the purchase of Internet content filters. OPLIN will make up to $85,725 available to libraries for this program in FY 2009.
Eligibility: Any Ohio public library system that wishes to install or maintain filters to screen out obscene and illegal Internet materials on any of its public access computers is encouraged to apply for funds. Filters used primarily to block viruses and malware are not eligible for funding.
Assistance Program: OPLIN will provide assistance to a library system up to $10,000 of the cost of implementing Internet content filtering technology. The money may be used for software, hardware, or support fees directly related to the implementation of content filtering. Note: this is not a reimbursement program -- these funds cannot be used to reimburse libraries for monies already spent on filters
Application Requirements: A library interested in obtaining assistance to implement or maintain a content filtering solution must provide the following information:
- Library name, address, telephone number, and fax number
- Director’s name, telephone number, and e-mail address
- Grant contact’s name, telephone number, and e-mail address
- Name and cost of filtering software, hardware, and/or support (total budget not to exceed $10,000)
- Description of each software, hardware, and/or support component of the filtering solution
- Vendor price quotes in electronic format for uploading
- A list of library buildings in which filtering will be implemented; also the number of workstations which will be filtered
To apply for funds, go to http://oplin.org/grantapplication/.
Applications must be completed by November 30, 2008.
Detailed information on filtering options is available from the vendors (See a list here). If you know of a filtering vendor that is not represented on the list, please ask them to contact OPLIN Support at support@oplin.org.
Additional information about CIPA and filtering is available from OLC or ALA.
Program Guidelines:
In the event that eligible requests exceed the amount of available money, assistance will be awarded following these priorities:
- New filtering measures (first funding priority)
- Upgrades or expansion of existing filters
- Maintenance or renewal of existing filters
Further determination will be based on financial need. Need is defined by the "Total Overall Revenue" in the most recent Ohio Public Library Statistics published by the State Library of Ohio, and assistance will be awarded beginning with the library with the lowest total overall revenue.
Each library receiving assistance will sign a contract agreeing to use the funds as described in their request. Contracts will commence on January 1, 2009; libraries may not purchase filters until these contracts are in effect.
Filtering solutions funded by this program should be installed and operational by June 30, 2009; all grant funds received must definitely be encumbered to vendors by that date.
Libraries will be expected to maintain the proposed filtering solution for at least one year. If a library removes the filtering solution, the library will notify OPLIN of the date the filter was removed and the reasons for its removal.
Each library receiving assistance will submit two reports to the State Library. The first, to be submitted no later than July 15, 2009, will be a financial report documenting expenditure of the grant funds. The second, to be submitted after the filtering solution is implemented but no later than July 15, 2010, will be a narrative description of the installation or implementation of the filtering solution. Forms will be provided for submitting these reports.
Learn about Second Life *in* Second Life
You can now sign up to for one or a series of free courses taught by OPLIN staff in the virtual world of Second Life. If you have been interested in learning more about SL but never tried it (or want to know more than how to make your avatar walk), this is your opportunity to get hands-on, personalized instruction in a comfortable environment.
You'll need a computer with sound, a broadband connection (no dial up) and the Second Life software installed. You'll also need to go through a short tutorial before you will be able to go through the OPLIN courses (more information will be sent out after registration).
To register for one or more of the following sessions, please email Laura Solomon (laura@oplin.org) with the course(s) and date(s) you'd like to attend. Each class is limited to only 5! Please join us!
Second Life Skills 101: Interacting with Second Life
Practice necessary basics such as flying, walking, sitting and basic communication, and interacting with objects. Duration: 1 hour. Prerequisites: none.
Choose:
- Thursday, December 11 @ 9:00 am
- Tuesday, January 6 @ 9:00 am
- Monday, January 12 @ 9:00 am
Second Life Skills 201: Communication and Culture
Learn about some of the subcultures that exist in SL and get the specifics of SL etiquette so you can interact comfortably in any inworld scenario. Duration: 1 hour. Prerequisites: Second Life Skills 101 or instructor approval.
Choose:
- Thursday, December 11 @ 10:30 am
- Tuesday, January 6 @ 10:30 am
- Monday, January 12 @ 10:30 am
Second Life Skills 301: Building Basics
Begin to learn some very basic building skills and further inworld resources to take you as far as you’d like to go! Duration: 2 hours. Prerequisites: Second Life Skills 201 or instructor approval.
Choose:
- Wednesday, January 14 @ 9 am
Libraries in Second Life
Find out about the Information Archipelago and its partner libraries. Tour several libraries to discover what they’re doing and how they are translating their missions and collections into virtual spaces. Duration: 1 hour. Prerequisites: Second Life Skills 101 and 201 or instructor approval.
Choose:
- Friday, January 16 @ 9 am
- Thursday, January 22 @ 9 am
NEW! Second Life Skills 202: Intermediate Skills
Learn how to take snapshots, dance, shop, manage your inventory, create notecards, deal with griefers and other annoying people and more. Duration: 1.5 hours. Prerequisites: Second Life 101 and Second Life 201.
Choose:
- Thursday, January 22 @ 10:30 am
List of filtering vendors
The Ohio Public Library Information Network does not recommend any particular filtering product or vendor. Instead, we recommend that libraries take advantage of the information available at http://www.libraryfiltering.org/.
MARC Records
MARC Records
These are individual MARC records for the titles available in subscriptions databases. Before loading them into their catalogs, libraries should keep the following in mind: The links below are to files with a ".mrc" extension. They vary in size; some can be several megabytes in size. It might be best to right-click on the links, save the files locally, and open them with your preferred MARC editing program What do these do?
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| EBSCOhost MARC Records | |
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They won't link to specific articles, but to a page that will let users browse the content (usually by date).
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| LearningExpress Library MARC Records | |
| 392 records. Updated April 2007. See a preview of these MARC records |
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| NewsBank MARC Records | |
| Records for the titles available in the statewide "America's Newspapers" collection from NewsBank, including Cincinnati Enquirer, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Chicago Tribune, and Washington Post. (32 records; updated September 2006). See a preview of these MARC records |
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| Ohio History Central MARC Records | |
| Records for Ohio History Central--an evolving, dynamic online encyclopedia that includes information about Ohio's natural history, prehistory, and history. 2315 records. (Last updated February 2008) See a preview of these MARC records |
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Presentations and handouts
All OPLIN PowerPoint presentations are also available at http://www.slideshare.net/OPLIN
2006 & 2007 presentations
Four Things You Should Do to Your Computer Today (2007)
Fresh Look at Databases (2006)
2008 presentations
Research databases
Something isn't working properly? Can't connect to one of OPLIN's research databases? Please contact the OPLIN Support Center for assistance.
Ohio Web Library
Federated search tool for all of the research databases available to Ohioans.
Community Toolbox
Get helpful tools, handouts, screencasts, tutorials and other materials related to the research databases.
How to link to the OPLIN databases
BASIC RESOURCES
| OPLIN web site | http://www.oplin.org |
| ExploreOhio (formerly Discover Ohio) | http://www.exploreohio.org/ |
| Find an Ohio Public Library tool | http://www.oplin.org/fal |
| Research Databases (list) | http://www.oplin.org/databases |
| Ohio Web Library | http://www.ohioweblibrary.org/ |
| Database Usage Reporting Tool (for librarians) | http://www.oplin.org/odurt |
| What Tree Is It? | http://www.oplin.org/tree |
| What's That Snake? | http://www.oplin.org/snake |
| What's the Point? | http://www.oplin.org/point |
RESEARCH DATABASES
A + sign marks those databases that are optional subscriptions. Check whether your library subscribes before putting these links on your own website.
Questions? Problems? Something missing? Contact the OPLIN Support Center.
Adding a Facts on File search widget
 Copy and paste this code in the header section of your html page:
Copy and paste this code into the body section of your html page: <script type="text/javascript" language="javascript" src="http://www.fofweb.com/Subscription/Search_Widgets/jslib/widgets.js" > </script><div class="Outer_Widget7"> <div class="Inner_Widget7"> <input id="ks_WE40" name="ks_WE40" type="text" class=" Widget_TextBox" onkeypress="return handleKeyPress_WE40(19148, event,this.form)" /> <input id="Button16" type="button" value="Search" class="Widget_Button" onclick="javascript:FOFSearch_WE40(10835);" /> </div> </div> |
Adding locally purchased databases to the Ohio Web Library "Resources" list
The Ohio Web Library page (http://ohioweblibrary.org) contains a link to "Resources" in the navigation bar. This link takes the user to a page that lists the statewide research databases, which can be viewed by subject category or alphabetically. The user will also see "buttons" beside the database names which provide more information about the resource.
Across the top of the database list are three tabs. The middle tab points to "locally purchased databases." If you provide OPLIN with a list of the databases your library purchases, these will be visible by clicking on this tab. Users at home will be asked to identify their library and provide a library card number before they see these locally purchased resources. (Users in your library will not be asked for a library card.)
Demo remote access—zip code page
Demo remote access -- zip code page
For training inside a library. This page shows what the remote access Enter your zip code page looks like. See also demo pages for the Enter your library card number page and for optional, library-paid databases.
How does OPLIN database authentication work?
Please see the attached chart for a full explanation of how database authentication at OPLIN works. If you have further questions, please contact Support.
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| Flowchart of OPLIN database authentication | 21.38 KB |
Statistics
| CultureGrams Statistics | |
| Statistical reports for CultureGrams from ProQuest. The username is the library's FSCS number, and the password is welcome. | |