Pella Community Memory Database

Pella Public Library is pleased to provide you with this free monthly newsletter keeping you informed on the progress being made on the Pella Community Memory Database (PCMD), a new grant-funded project sponsored by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). We hope you will find this newsletter informative!

We're pleased to announce that the Pella Community Memory Database now has a much shorter and easier-to-remember web address: www.pellacmd.com

Bookmark it today!

Recently, we've been making both visual and functional changes to the PCMD to make it even more useful! One major feature we've added this month is a geographical mapping feature, called Geomaps for short. Now, when staff input latitude and longitude into the description of any item in the database, a map can be created which auto-populates with "pins" dropped in the locations specified. Clicking on a pin will bring up a summary of the item attached to that location, and a link to view the item in full. Sound confusing? It isn't! Take a look at Geomaps here: www.pellacmd.com/digital/custom/geomaps The Geomapping feature is also always available by clicking the "maps" link at the bottom of any page.

We've begun the process of tracking visits to our database more closely with the use of Google Analytics. Previously, we had access to broad numbers that allowed us to generalize about database usage. Google Analytics results in a much more granular identification of specific usage patterns - so we can determine where to focus our development efforts in the future.

Kaylee Butler, a Graphic Design student at Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri, graciously agreed to provide a much needed overhaul to the PCMD logo. The new logo incorporates technology (represented by a mouse click) with Dutch heritage and culture (represented by the windmill) in colors of the flag of the Netherlands. The new logo includes a complete suite of icons, so anyone who "bookmarks" the PCMD on desktop or mobile will see the new logo as well. Look for the new logo to go live on the PCMD within a few weeks. Thank you Kaylee!

September 1, 2020 will mark the completion of the first year of the grant cycle and the start of the second year. The grant work plan has a major publicity push beginning in approximately August 2020, after a year of build-out to add content. We've already been featured in the City of Pella's Monthly Newsletter, and we are currently in the process of sending out letters and brochures to Public and Christian School educators, homeschooling groups, and Central College faculty, introducing them to the Pella Community Memory Database and suggesting ways in which it might be used in an educational setting.

In the coming months, look for advertisements in the Town Crier, radio spots, and posters and brochures in various locations about town. There may even be a historical scavenger hunt. Stay tuned! Know of other groups that might benefit from receiving information about the PCMD? Send tips to cbrown@cityofpella.com Thank you!

This newsletter is published monthly with funding from an Institute of Museum and Library Services grant.

For more information, please contact:

Chris Brown

Project Director

Pella Public Library

603 Main Street

Pella, IA 50219

641-628-4268

cbrown@cityofpella.com