What is WordPress?

Or, how your library website came to be

WordPress is the software on which over 45% of ALL websites in the world are built! If you'd like more information, check out the 2023 statistics.

WordPress is open source, meaning that it is free to download and use. It is sometimes referred to as a content management system or CMS, and provides the basic platform or foundation software for building a website. 

SCKLS has been supporting our member libraries in using WordPress since 2008. In the beginning it was a statewide project, but since 2012, SCKLS has provided hosting and all other support services for libraries in our region.  

While there is no cost for the software, SCKLS does pay for the web hosting service and spam filter, and SCKLS staff provide all support services, including site installation, web design, maintenance and troubleshooting, all at no charge to member libraries! Currently, 55 public libraries take advantage of this opportunity for their websites, some in various stages of development at this writing. 

Each library has its own separate WordPress site, and after installing the basic software, SCKLS staff add several required plugins (add-ons) for security and other purposes. Optional plugins are selected to provide specific functions such as an event calendar, form maker, or other features.

While there are many common elements, every website is different, carefully crafted to serve the unique needs of the library and its community.

Once a site is up and running, it is up to library staff to update the site's content - library news, events, promotions, holiday closings, etc. - according to their needs. Software updates are set to run automatically, but all sites do need monitoring by library staff!

Here's a screenshot of just a few member library home pages:

Moving forward

WordPress is continually being updated, and some of those updates change the look and feel of the editing process. The original post and page editor (the “classic editor”) looks and works somewhat like a Word document. A number of librarians are still using this familiar method. 

But the newer way to manage posts and pages is the block editor; text, images and other elements are added using separate blocks, which can easily be rearranged and customized. The block editor allows for much more flexibility and more eye-catching designs, as well as easy text editing!