Mango Languages

Mango 101: Have You Registered?

Do you know how to earn points through the MAP and redeem them for Mango swag?  What about setting up a MARC record for Mango? Or how to filter and export usage statistics?  To find out answers to all of these questions – and much more – be sure to register for our new Mango 101 training webinar.  The purpose of this presentation is to help our existing clients make the most of their Mango account.  By the time you’re done, you’ll be able to navigate the MAP like a pro, be a usage stats whiz, and have tons of fresh ideas on how to spread the word to your patrons.  So if you haven’t had the chance to attend yet, please take a few minutes to sign up through one of the registration links below:

Wednesday, October 17, 2012 from 2:00 – 3:00 PM EDT

Wednesday, November 14, 2012 from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM EDT

Mango Feature Shout-Outs

Did you know you can earn points on our “Mango Checklist” by adding a Mango logo or link to your library’s website?  Prominently feature the link on your website and it’s sure to attract more attention than if it’s buried somewhere the user has to search for it.  Of course, there’s a number of ways that libraries can do this.  To provide some inspiration, we’re going to feature a few rockstar examples from our partner libraries:

Musser Public Library and the Terrebonne Parish Library System both featured Mango in their scrolling homepage slideshow.  Not only does this approach provide a visual “pop” that grabs patrons’ attention, it also allows the library to feature different events and resources on a timely basis.

Boyd County Public Library featured Mango on its homepage in their “Library News” section.  This approach not only increases awareness about the resource, but also provides patrons with the latest Mango news.  In this case, BCPL shared info about our new Social Media Feature and how patrons can earn badges by learning with Mango.  You can easily set up a News Section on your library’s website by linking the content to a blog or other RSS feed.  Ideas for Mango updates can be pulled from our monthly newsletter, blog, or from informational materials posted on the MAP.

Another fantastic and effective way to feature Mango on your homepage is to use one of our eye-catching banners, like Fountaindale Public Library did on their site:

All you need to do is log in to the MAP, visit the “Free Downloads” section under the “Promote” tab, and select “Web Banners” to see all the options we have available.  The banners come in all shapes and sizes, so you’re bound to find something that will work perfectly for your site!  Then just link the banner directly to your Mango landing page, providing patrons with a quick and easy way to access the courses.

We’d like to say a big, big thank you to Musser Public Library, Terrebonne Parish Library System, Boyd County Public Library, Fountaindale Public Library, and all the other libraries that have created awesome features for Mango on their website. Keep up the good work!

If your library would like ideas or guidance on creating a Mango feature for your homepage, please reach out to your Account Rep.  We’d be happy to help!

Sharing Mango Languages with Your Patrons and Community

If your library offers Mango Languages, we are sure that you already love the online language learning program (how could you not!?). But the real challenge is making sure your patrons love the program just as much. Well, challenge no more. Thanks to the Mango Administration Portal (MAP), you have a plethora of tools right at your fingertips to promote this database at your library.

In the MAP, you will find free resources (logos for your website, sample blog posts, press releases, customizable posters), promotional items (t-shirts, bookmarks, water bottles), and even tasks you can perform to earn more materials (host a Mango day, write about Mango in your library’s newsletter, create Mango promotional materials). Mango works with your library as a partner, so all materials in the MAP were created specifically with librarians in mind. Like you, we want to make sure that your community is aware of all of the awesome offerings provided by your library.

Mango wants to help you make your library a hub for language learning and culture. With both ESL courses (English as a second language) and foreign language courses, we provide you with relevant material that continues to make your library a valuable resource for your entire community.

Still not sure how to best market language learning at your library? Be sure to contact your Mango Rep or visit our Facebook and Twitter pages to chat with other librarians who have tips and tricks to share!

What is a creative way you have marketed Mango at your library?

Getting Mango Languages Set Up

We are just as excited as you are to get your library up and running with access to Mango Languages! Because it may take you some time to gather the necessary information, Mango gives you the opportunity to register your settings at your own pace. Below is a FAQ that will help ensure a smooth integration.

1. I have an administrator account and I am ready to configure my library settings, where do I go? Visit our Mango Administration Portal (also known as the MAP) at http://libraries.mangolanguages.com and login with your email address and password to begin registering your library settings.

2. I’m not sure if I have an administrator account? Simply ask your sales representative to check for you or set you up with one.  It only takes a moment and will be required for checking future statistics, requesting promotional materials, and accessing to your library’s settings. Once you have been setup with an account, you will receive an activation email from Mango. Follow the link in the email to activate your account.

3. I have an administrator account, but I am not the person who handles setup. No problem, we have made it possible for you to add other administrators to the account to register your settings. To do so, login to your account first, select the “Admins” tab and add another administrator (you will be asked to enter a name and valid email address).

4. How do I register my settings and give my patrons access to Mango? To begin registering your settings, make sure you are logged into your administrator account and that your account says “Setup Mode.”  From there, select the “Settings” tab at the top of the page. Once you have determined how you want Mango to authenticate users, select the “edit” button next to each section and follow the instructions. Make sure to save your settings when you are finished.

5. What is the URL I use to link to Mango? This is found at the top of the integration page highlighted in a yellow box and will give your patrons access to Mango both in-library and remotely.

6. How do I obtain a promotional items for my library website? A press release and logos are available for download from the “promote” tab located in the MAP.

7. My settings are complete, when will my library’s link to Mango work? Now that you have registered your settings, your integration is almost finished. Please allow 1 business day for your settings to be approved and the account to be activated.

8. Why does my library not show up in the library locator? As soon as your account has been activated and your library has added the link to Mango, we will add you to our locator.

Please give us your feedback!  We want to hear your suggestions for improving the MAP to better assist your library’s needs!

Your New Mango MAP

We are very excited to launch the Mango Administration Portal to our library customers.

Many of of our librarians have noticed that their Administration Portal has been updated. If you have not yet seen the new portal, all libraries should be converted to the new system by the end of September 2009.

We are calling this new dashboard system the Mango Administration Portal or the MAP. The new system has the following features:

1. User Statistics
2. Mango Promotional information and logos
3. Account Setting Management

We hope you enjoy this new online language learning dashboard. We welcome your feedback and questions! What do you think?