Domains and URLs (and how to spot fake messages)

In the Web Services Agreement you recently signed, you agreed to purchase and maintain a domain name for your library. But what is that, exactly?

A domain name is an easy-to-remember web address used to access websites. Yours is probably something like yourlibraryname.org or townnamepubliclibrary.info. 

You will have purchased your library’s unique domain name from a registrar such as GoDaddy, DreamHost, Network Solutions, or another service provider. The cost varies, but is usually around $15-20 per year, with renewal periods of 1 – 3 years.

It is important to know who your domain is registered with, when it expires, and how to log in. You’ll be ready when renewal time comes around, and that knowledge will also help you avoid scams!

You have probably received more than one fake domain name renewal email or letter - probably with a large fee!  These 'notices' can include your actual domain name and expiration date - but this information is publicly available, so that doesn't mean the charge is legitimate.

Recognizing that these are NOT coming from your vendor will help you spot the scam attempts instantly. 

Even if a message looks like it IS real, don’t click on a link, but instead go to your vendor’s website and log in directly to see if it is truly renewal time. If so, take care of it right away - and you may want to renew for multiple years. 

...and URLs

Your website’s URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the web address where the website actually lives. 

When we installed WordPress for your site on the SCKLS web server, you were assigned a subdomain – usually yourtownname.scklslibrary.info.

This is where you log in to add content or update your site, and it is displayed in a browser address bar.

Yes, your own domain name is a URL, too. So why have a separate domain name, if that’s not where your site lives? 

Two reasons: It’s easy to remember, and it belongs to YOU.

Your domain name is set up to forward or redirect users instantly and invisibly to your website - just like a forwarding address at the post office. When site users click or type your domain name, they won’t even notice that they’re going to the scklslibrary.info location.

Your community members will not recognize or remember the scklslibrary.info domain, but they can remember yourlibraryname.org (or whatever you chose)! That’s why you should use your own domain name for marketing and publicity, including printing it on your library cards and promotional materials like bookmarks. 

Also, if you ever decide to change to a different web hosting service, just point your domain to the new site location – with no need to make expensive changes to your library cards or marketing materials!