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Issue #10
5/24/2024
WordPress Plugins
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Hello, librarians!
As each of you stepped into your role in working with the library website, you probably didn’t pay much attention to its plugins (unless you're the one who worked on the site design). Your job was to learn how to write posts, edit pages, and generally keep things running.
But plugins are an integral part of how WordPress websites work! It’s worth taking a few moments to learn a bit about plugins and to consider whether changes can improve your site's appearance and function.
- Sharon Barnes, SCKLS Technology Consultant
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You might think of a fresh WordPress installation as a new house – it has all the basics, including running water and electricity, but it's empty. When you move in, you will make it uniquely your own, bringing furnishings and personal items, hanging curtains and maybe painting some walls. | |
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Using this analogy, we’ll consider those things the style and content of your website, which we have looked at in previous issues. | | |
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But take a moment to think about all the things you plug in to make your home functional. Major appliances will likely top the list, followed closely by small kitchen appliances. A television, hair dryers and lamps also need outlets. We use each of these single-purpose items to make life easier. | |
And that’s just what WordPress plugins do – they are small pieces of software to add on (or ‘plug in’) and provide a specific function. | |
Home Improvement Project? | |
SCKLS requires a number of plugins for security and basic services, such as backups and image compression. Other plugins such as site statistics and auto-update tools aid in management. (Among those is a plugin to keep your plugins updated!) | | |
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Beyond these, there are thousands of options for extra features and customization! Event calendars and submission forms encourage users to interact with your site, while design and content blocks and an image search capability help you create engaging content more efficiently. | |
Is your website missing something? Would a new function add value for your community or streamline your work? | |
First, browse through your list of installed plugins and see what each one does. If any are deactivated, go ahead and delete, unless you plan to use them again soon.
Be cautious about deactivating and/or deleting other plugins, until you know exactly what they do. DO NOT delete any of the SCKLS required plugins!
Then think about whether there's something else that you want your site to do. Most likely, there's a plugin for that!
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Many WordPress plugins are free, and some plugin developers offer a paid version with extra features. Almost all needs can be fulfilled by a well-chosen free plugin, but don't do a Google search!
The SCKLS web hosting agreement includes a requirement to install plugins ONLY from the WordPress repository; downloads from other sources may contain malicious code. Fortunately, doing the right thing is also the easiest thing.
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If you want to add a new capability, you can easily search for and install a plugin.
Go to Plugins > Add New Plugin, type a search term and see what pops up. (It may take a few tries.)
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As you go through the results, look for a plugin that:
- Performs the function you need
- Has been recently updated
- Is compatible with the current WordPress version
- Has a large number of installations
If a plugin does not meet all four points, KEEP LOOKING.
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When you find just the right one, click the Install button and then the Activate button. Some plugins have settings that you’ll need to review.
Then give it a test run to see if it does in fact do what you expected. If not, you can always deactivate and delete it and try a different one.
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Or, instead of sifting through and testing all the options, save yourself some time and contact me! I may already know of a plugin that will fit your needs - and if not, I’ll help you find a good match. | | |
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When you have the right combination of plugins and settings, your work will be easier and your communications more effective!
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As always, if you have any questions or concerns about your website,
please reach out to me at sharon@sckls.info.
If you have missed any previous issues, you can now read them online.
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Sharon Barnes, SCKLS Technology Consultant
sharon@sckls.info
1-800-234-0529 x135
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