1. LIBGUIDE LIT REVIEW ANNOTATED ARTICLES BY SUBJECT
BEST PRACTICES
Adebonojo, L. G. (2010). LibGuides: Customizing subject guides for individual
courses. College & Undergraduate Libraries, 17(4), 398-412.
doi:10.1080/10691316.2010.525426
Categories: Best Practices; Assessment and Usability testing
Discusses use of LibGuides as an effective tool to introduce undergraduate
students to the university library. Details the plans for and design of the
template used by the Charles C. Sherrod Library at East Tennessee State
University.
Anderson, K. E., & Still, J. M. (2013). Librarians’ use of images on LibGuides and
other social media platforms. Journal of Web Librarianship, 7(3), 272-291.
doi:10.1080/19322909.2013.812473.
Categories: Best Practices
This study compared the use of librarian’s profile images across web
platforms designed for librarian-patron communication. Types of photos
(work related/professional vs. personal/”selfie” type) and gender usage,
were discussed in an attempt to look at what image libraries are presenting
to their users.
Bazeley, J. W., & Yoose, B. (2013). Notes on operations. Library Resources &
Technical Services, 57(2), 118-127. Retrieved from http://lib-ezproxy.
tamu.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct
=true&db=lih&AN=91790377&site=ehost-live
Categories: Best practices; Marketing and Outreach; Assessment and
Usability Testing
The authors of this paper describe the process of creating, testing, and
implementing LibGuides as a new way of communicating information
between technical services and public services staff at Miami University
Libraries.
Bullian, J., & Ellison, A. (2013). Building a low-cost, low-labor library web site at
hillsborough community college. Journal of Web Librarianship, 7(3), 333-342.
doi:10.1080/19322909.2013.810080
2. Categories: Best practices
Discussion of the factors that led up to Hillsborough Community College
Libraries implementing the LibGuides framework as a basis for their web
page redesign and a basic overview of how they were able to adapt it for
use in a five campus library system. A basic description of the redesign
process is also included.
Glassman, N. R., & Sorensen, K. (2010). From pathfinders to subject guides: One
library's experience with LibGuides. Journal of Electronic Resources in Medical
Libraries, 7(4), 281-291. doi:10.1080/15424065.2010.529767.
Categories: Best Practices
Provides a general history and overview of research guides. Outlines how
LibGuides were developed at the D. Samuel Gottesman Library and some of
their benefits.
Gonzalez, A. C., & Westbrock, T. (2010). Reaching out with LibGuides: Establishing
a working set of best practices. Journal of Library Administration, 50(5), 638-656.
doi:10.1080/01930826.2010.488941
Categories: Best Practices; Assessment and Usability Testing; Marketing
and Outreach
Presents a working set of best practices for the implementation of the
LibGuides platform at New Mexico State University. Includes an Appendix
with a best practices list.
Griffin, M., & Lewis, B. (2011). Transforming special collections through innovative
uses for LibGuides doi:10.1108/01604951111104989
Categories: Best Practices; Assessment and Usability Testing
This article studies the use of LibGuides in a special collections setting in
general and Special and Digital Collections at the University of South
Florida’s experience with LibGuides. Discusses challenges with
implementation in a special collections/digital environment; as well as,
issues with overcustomization of the design/layout for each collection and
branding.
Han, N., & Hall, S. L. (2012). Think globally! Enhancing the international student
experience with LibGuides. Journal of Electronic Resources Librarianship, 24(4),
288-297. Retrieved from Han, N., & Hall, S. L. (2012). Think globally! enhancing
3. the international student experience with LibGuides. Journal of Electronic
Resources Librarianship, 24(4), 288-297.
Brief Info – Main Recommendations
Recommendations for LibGuides for IS
Glossaries for library terminology
Highlight important resources and services should be highlighted.
Online tutorials and virtual reference
Embedding tutorial videos in LibGuides
Self-paced tutorial
audio tracks in different languages
Prominent VR links on each page
Liaison contact information for library
Local community information
Information about campus events and cultural activities
Images, virtual tours, and floor plans
Examples
Illinois Institute of Technology, Galvin Library (Library Information for
International Students)
Appalachian State University, Belk Library and Information Commons
(International Students)
Azusa Pacific University Libraries (Library Resources for International
Students
Helge, K. (2013). In McKinnon L., ebrary I. (Eds.), Teaching librarian web 2.0,
technology, and legal aspects. Burlington: Elsevier Science. Retrieved
from https://libcat.tamu.edu/vwebv/holdingsInfo?bibId=4717277
Make use of Web 2.0 that already exist
let patrons subscribe to e-mail alerts & RSS feeds re: new guides/updates
[this would be a good thing for library staff internally]
allowing patrons to submit links to guides
inserting interactive polls
[Chat on each guide]
embedding media or podcasts
Insert links in such way that link checker can be used
Search catalog directly from LibGuide page [some do at TAMU already]
help site includes information on best practices & best sites*[-make sure
we take a look at what already exists]
4. training***
[take a look at reports of which guides most viewed, links clicked on …]
Relevance and use of the LibGuides platform: a study
Some LibGuides Policies
Maintenance
Uniformity
Checking links
require [offer] training on the platform
Some look at user statistics
Librarians may also want to implement an evaluation method to ensure
that their intended audience is utilizing the guides.
Uses for teaching librarians – at the reference desk and beyond (p. 46)
Content recommendations
Create subject guides to answer patrons’ recurrent questions
Links to catalog items
Database links & info
Other electronic resources links & info
Outside source links
Basic research methods
Help/additional assistance – where to go
Guides on how to use library features – i.e. instructional guides
E.g. catalog, databases
Include embedded video tutorials
Include printer-friendly versions**
For printing for patrons to refer to later without having to use internet
QR codes
Strategically placed in stacks so patrons can scan and go to the relevant
subject guide
Or on computers [didn’t really take off for use when we tried]
Don’t want to use QR codes?
Print out and put in strategic areas instead
Other LibGuide uses
Special collections
Events
Collaborate with other departments
E.g. Guide highlighting Career Center & library resources
conclusion
5. Create guides that answer recurring patron questions.
Subject guides should include
links to items in the library’s catalog
information on and links to relevant databases and electronic resources
links to outside sources on the topic.
Embedding video tutorials on how to conduct research in the subject area
and how to use specific databases.
Create instructional guides on how to use the library’s catalog to find
materials.
Refer patrons to guides to facilitate distance reference.
Create QR codes that direct patrons to relevant guides on the LibGuides
platform, or print guides and place with related materials in the stacks.
Include contact information and/or a chat box so that patrons can get
additional research assistance as needed.
Collaborate with faculty and staff to create guides that highlight special
collections, resources, and events.
Uses for teaching librarians – in the classroom (p. 49)
Course specific guides (p. 49)
Has advantages over discipline based guides – more specific to specific
research needs
More appealing to students than general subject guides
Less chance of information saturation
More likely to get used
Highlight most relevant sources without oversaturation
Push these advantages to faculty too
If we hook them in with specific guides may lead to other guide usage
More in line with how students “approach library research” – we need to
“meet students where they are”
Push to faculty
Embed links in class websites & online courseware (e.g. blackboard)
Course specific guide advantages
Get them “involved in promoting student use of course-specific guides”
Suggestion on how to pitch to faculty (p. 50):
Create for your individual class
Tell them about Web 2.0 tools
Encourage active student interaction
Deeper-level learning
6. Chat boxes – direct student to library staff interaction while using guide
Interactive polls
embed media, library links (catalog & e-resources)
can link/embed guides in online courseware
OR use the guide as “course websites where all materials for individual
courses are located.”
Can be “Moodle or wiki” LIKE
Students can add links or content
E.g. http://libguides.depauw.edu/content.php?pid=14679&sid=131913
Distance ed & benefits of Course specific guides(p. 50)
Like Diana R’s example
asynchronous library instruction
Flipped classroom
embed videos
Flipped classroom
Review embedded videos before IS class
Then do hands on with the limited in class time
Direct link to catalog records, include call #’s to make easier to get
Website examples
http://libguides.depauw.edu/profile/tiffany
Tiffany Hebb
Depauw University
COMM 233 (p. 50)
http://libguides.depauw.edu/comm233-schick
http://libguides.depauw.edu/howley-comm233
Good features
Uncluttered
Easy access
Simple to follow
Contact info. on home page
Direct links to library resources – e.g. links to catalog records w/call #’s
Multiple contact options – at their fingertips
Chat
E-mail
Phone
Schedule appointment w/availability calendar
Schedule appointment right from the home page
7. Lists librarians availability
Click on it – it’s cool
Somewhat like our group room reservation
“features help students access research materials related to their course
and make obtaining further research assistance as simple as clicking a
button.”
[LibGuide feedback example]
http://libguides.depauw.edu/content.php?pid=14679&sid=1567952
Website Examples – Library Research tutorials
**James Madision University Libraries – Madison Research Essentials
Toolkit
Kind of like combined information literacy and guided tour of the library
webpage
https://www.lib.jmu.edu/mretoolkit/
Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania – Information literacy guide
http://guides.library.bloomu.edu/genedtutorial
General Library Research Tutorial
Hintz, K., Farrar, P., Eshghi, S., Sobol, B., Naslund, J., Lee, T., . . . McCauley, A.
(2010). Letting students take the lead: A user-centered approach to evaluating
subject guides. Evidence Based Library & Information Practice, 5(4), 39-52.
Retrieved from http://lib-ezproxy.
tamu.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct
=true&db=izh&AN=74294585&site=ehost-live
What do students want (Top 10 list)?
Simple, clean layout
Short annotations
Search feature
Embedded instruction
Content easy to understand
Librarian contact information
Tabs
Citation information
Length
Contrary to the Helge & Mckinnon – web 2.0 was not important enough to
make the top 10 list
Off possible use to Beth’s group
8. P. 50 – 52 example of their questionnaire they used to survey students
Jackson, W. J. (1984). The user-friendly library guide: How to reduce user
frustration by making your guides more readable. College & Research Libraries
News, 45(9), 468-471.
Traditional bibliography list guides
E.g. journal or book lists
Problem
Patrons care less about where (journal, book, handbook) the answer is
found
They want to know how to find the answer
Search Strategy Guides
E.g. “If you want to find ____ info, it’s best to use (e.g. handbooks) and
here’s how to find handbooks)
Emphasizes process not specific source
Teaches “procedure” [skills] that can be used for searching for other things
[I agree this can be good for some things but not necessarily to completely
replace all traditional lists]
Audience identification is step 1 in writing effective guides
Writing style
Friendly
Informal
Organized the way USERS look for it
Clear
Concise
Avoid jargon
Unknown terminology alienates the reader [I feel that myself sometimes]
Choosing a Title
Do not
Name the type of source
Out with the old (i.e. avoid)
“Indexes and Abstracts” VS “Find articles on your topic”
Government Documents
Encyclopedias and dictionaries
Bibliographies
Books
Newspapers [I disagree]
9. Do
tells reader what type of problem the guide can solve
name the “process to be accomplished” or “information to be found”
In with the new
Getting Started [we already do this]
Finding Government Publications
Finding Articles in Journals
Finding Books
Finding Newspaper Articles
Finding Statistics
Finding Information about Laws
Basic Information (Encyclopedias) – [long but I do like the basic info idea]
Finding Quick Fact – [kinda like this one. Not sure off hand of particular
resources that would fit under that tab though]
[I, Tiana, don’t agree with using such long titles. Then you get the
overcrowded – too many rows of tabs problem]
Editorial Board
To assist & assure uniform standards
Perhaps like the role of our LibGuide team p. 471
Could actually be a helpful thing - to get others to proof and provide
suggestions
Judd, C., & Montgomery, N. M. (2009). LibGuides and librarians: Connecting
content and community. Kentucky Libraries, 73(3), 14-17. Retrieved
from http://lib-ezproxy.
tamu.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct
=true&db=llf&AN=502982718&site=ehost-live
Article is more of a sales pitch for using LibGuides
Highlights many useful features we already employ
Interesting to note we’re not alone
Some use LibGuides as their web page
Some created guides for internal customers too
Useful ideas
NEW faculty guide
Focus more on FAQ’s
Off campus access
Purchase recommendations
10. E.g. maybe make our “other services” box more prominently featured
Library Guide button automatically on all Blackboard courses
Something for us to campaign for
Little, J. J. (2010). Cognitive load theory and library research guides. Internet
Reference Services Quarterly, 15(1), 53-63. Retrieved from
http://search.proquest.com/docview/742896869?accountid=7082
Categories: Best practices; Organizing learner-friendly guides
Seeks to assist research guide editors in assessing their guides based on
cognitive load theory. Discusses breaking guides down into smaller pieces
so as not to overload the user, removing library terminology from the
document or defining it for the user so as not to confuse them, clear and
defined headings, reducing the amount of extraneous information,
introducing explanatory videos, and using conversation style writing.
Referenced in Metcalf, Susan. “Good Stewards in Trying Times:
Benchmarking Peer Collections of Sociology Reference Sources Using
LibGuides.” Reference Librarian. April-June 2013, Vol. 54, Issue 2, pp. 134-
142.
Moses, D., & Richard, J. (2008). Solutions for subject guides. Partnership: The
Canadian Journal of Library & Information Practice & Research, 3(2), 1-9.
Retrieved from http://lib-ezproxy.
tamu.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct
=true&db=lih&AN=36267044&site=ehost-live
Categories: Best practices
This article describes the experiences of academic libraries at Acadia
University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia and Holland College in Charlottetown,
Prince Edward Island with the implementation of the LibGuides and Subjects
Plus. Acadia University chose to use LibGuides and had one librarian in
consultation with others create a template (the specific fields of which are
not included). Holland College chose to use SubjectsPlus to manage both
their subject guide content and their online content.
Pin, Y. P. (2010). Research guides at SMU li ka shing library: Built with LibGuides.
Singapore Journal of Library & Information Management, 39, 37-58. Retrieved
from http://lib-
11. ezproxy.tamu.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct
=true&db=lih&AN=85882775&site=ehost-live
Categories: Assessment and usability testing; Best practices
This study explores the implementation process for LibGuides and the usage
of the guides in different scenarios
Pittsley, K. A. 1., kpittsle@emich.edu, & Memmott, S., smemmott@emich.edu.
(2012). Improving independent student navigation of complex educational web
sites: An analysis of two navigation design changes in LibGuides. Information
Technology & Libraries, 31(3), 52-64. Retrieved from http://lib-ezproxy.
tamu.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct
=true&db=llf&AN=83583620&site=ehost-live
Categories: Organizing learner-friendly guides; Assessment and usability
testing; Best practices
This study examined the effects that two different types of navigational
design changes (addition of a table of contents box or navigation tabs) had
on user access/usage patterns of an educational website.
Schmidt, A., 1978-. (2012). In Etches A.,1975-, ebrary I. (Eds.), User experience
(UX) design for libraries. Chicago: ALA TechSource, an imprint of the American
Library Association. Retrieved from
https://libcat.tamu.edu/vwebv/holdingsInfo?bibId=4040904
Categories for websites: Best practices; Marketing and Outreach;
Assessment and Usability Testing
Complete “how-to handbook that instructs readers about how they can
utilize user-supplied data to inform their information architecture decisions
by conducting open and closed card sort studies and how to stage live
usability testing sessions and focus groups. ….it guides the reader through
how to create heuristic evaluations, the ins and outs of persona
development, and developing a content strategy” to improve the users
experience through improved web site design.
Sonsteby, A., & DeJonghe, J. (2013). Usability testing, user-centered design, and
LibGuides subject guides: A case study. Journal of Web Librarianship, 7(1), 83-94.
Retrieved from http://lib-ezproxy.
tamu.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct
12. =true&db=eric&AN=EJ996907&site=ehost-live;
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/19322909.2013.747366
CATEGORIES: Assessment and Usability Testing; Best Practices/features
and content
This study examines the usability of LibGuides at Metropolitan State
University to determine their effectiveness. It details the methodology used
to gather their information and gives its results. The study found that users
struggled the most with search box visibility and confusion,
language/jargon, inconsistency, too many tabs, and confusing contact
information.
13. ASSESSMENT AND USABILITY TESTING
Adebonojo, L. G. (2010). LibGuides: Customizing subject guides for individual
courses. College & Undergraduate Libraries, 17(4), 398-412.
doi:10.1080/10691316.2010.525426
Categories: Best Practices; Assessment and Usability testing
Discusses use of LibGuides as an effective tool to introduce undergraduate
students to the university library. Details the plans for and design of the
template used by the Charles C. Sherrod Library at East Tennessee State
University.
Bazeley, J. W., & Yoose, B. (2013). Notes on operations. Library Resources &
Technical Services, 57(2), 118-127. Retrieved from http://lib-ezproxy.
tamu.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct
=true&db=lih&AN=91790377&site=ehost-live
Categories: Best practices; Marketing and Outreach; Assessment and
Usability Testing
The authors of this paper describe the process of creating, testing, and
implementing LibGuides as a new way of communicating information
between technical services and public services staff at Miami University
Libraries.
Ghaphery, J., jghapher@vcu.edu, & White, E., erwhite@vcu.edu. (2012). Library
use of web-based research guides. Information Technology & Libraries, 31(1), 21-
31. Retrieved from http://lib-ezproxy.
tamu.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct
=true&db=llf&AN=76374175&site=ehost-live
Categories: Accessibility Issues; Assessment and Usability Testing
Describes the ways in which libraries are currently implementing and
managing web-based research guides. Examines two sets of data – one set
compiled by visiting the web sites of 99 ARL libraries and recording the
characteristics of each site’s research guides and data gathered from an
online survey of librarians about the ways in which their libraries implement
and maintain research guides. Includes an example of a survey they used to
gather information on use of library web-based research guides
14. Gonzalez, A. C., & Westbrock, T. (2010). Reaching out with LibGuides: Establishing
a working set of best practices. Journal of Library Administration, 50(5), 638-656.
doi:10.1080/01930826.2010.488941
Categories: Best Practices; Assessment and Usability Testing; Marketing
and Outreach
Presents a working set of best practices for the implementation of the
LibGuides platform at New Mexico State University. Includes an Appendix
with a best practices list.
Griffin, M., & Lewis, B. (2011). Transforming special collections through innovative
uses for LibGuides doi:10.1108/01604951111104989
Categories: Best Practices; Assessment and Usability Testing
This article studies the use of LibGuides in a special collections setting in
general and Special and Digital Collections at the University of South
Florida’s experience with LibGuides. Discusses challenges with
implementation in a special collections/digital environment; as well as,
issues with overcustomization of the design/layout for each collection and
branding.
Hintz, K., Farrar, P., Eshghi, S., Sobol, B., Naslund, J., Lee, T., . . . McCauley, A.
(2010). Letting students take the lead: A user-centered approach to evaluating
subject guides. Evidence Based Library & Information Practice, 5(4), 39-52.
Retrieved from http://lib-ezproxy.
tamu.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct
=true&db=izh&AN=74294585&site=ehost-live
What do students want (Top 10 list)?
Simple, clean layout
Short annotations
Search feature
Embedded instruction
Content easy to understand
Librarian contact information
Tabs
Citation information
Length
Contrary to the Helge & Mckinnon – web 2.0 was not important enough to
make the top 10 list
15. Off possible use to Beth’s group
P. 50 – 52 example of their questionnaire they used to survey students
Pin, Y. P. (2010). Research guides at SMU li ka shing library: Built with LibGuides.
Singapore Journal of Library & Information Management, 39, 37-58. Retrieved
from http://lib-ezproxy.
tamu.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct
=true&db=lih&AN=85882775&site=ehost-live
Categories: Assessment and usability testing; Best practices
This study explores the implementation process for LibGuides and the usage
of the guides in different scenarios
Pittsley, K. A. 1., kpittsle@emich.edu, & Memmott, S., smemmott@emich.edu.
(2012). Improving independent student navigation of complex educational web
sites: An analysis of two navigation design changes in LibGuides. Information
Technology & Libraries, 31(3), 52-64. Retrieved from http://lib-ezproxy.
tamu.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct
=true&db=llf&AN=83583620&site=ehost-live
Categories: Organizing learner-friendly guides; Assessment and usability
testing; Best practices
This study examined the effects that two different types of navigational
design changes (addition of a table of contents box or navigation tabs) had
on user access/usage patterns of an educational website.
Schmidt, A., 1978-. (2012). In Etches A.,1975-, ebrary I. (Eds.), User experience
(UX) design for libraries. Chicago: ALA TechSource, an imprint of the American
Library Association. Retrieved from
https://libcat.tamu.edu/vwebv/holdingsInfo?bibId=4040904
Categories for websites: Best practices; Marketing and Outreach;
Assessment and Usability Testing
Complete “how-to handbook that instructs readers about how they can
utilize user-supplied data to inform their information architecture decisions
by conducting open and closed card sort studies and how to stage live
usability testing sessions and focus groups. ….it guides the reader through
how to create heuristic evaluations, the ins and outs of persona
development, and developing a content strategy” to improve the users
experience through improved web site design.
16. Sonsteby, A., & DeJonghe, J. (2013). Usability testing, user-centered design, and
LibGuides subject guides: A case study. Journal of Web Librarianship, 7(1), 83-94.
Retrieved from http://lib-ezproxy.
tamu.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct
=true&db=eric&AN=EJ996907&site=ehost-live;
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/19322909.2013.747366
CATEGORIES: Assessment and Usability Testing; Best Practices/features
and content
This study examines the usability of LibGuides at Metropolitan State
University to determine their effectiveness. It details the methodology used
to gather their information and gives its results. The study found that users
struggled the most with search box visibility and confusion,
language/jargon, inconsistency, too many tabs, and confusing contact
information.
Staley, S. M. (2007). Academic subject guides: A case study of use at san jose state
university. College & Research Libraries, 68(2), 119-139. Retrieved from
http://search.proquest.com/docview/57650636?accountid=7082
Categories: Assessment and usability testing
This study investigates students’ uses of subject guides in three areas of
study at San Jose State - Nursing, Journalism & Mass Communications, and
Organization & Management. It found that students who received library
instruction tended to use subject guides more frequently and find them
useful.
Stefanini Newman, M., mnewman@law.pace.edu, & Rucinski, T. L. 2.,
trucinski2@law.pace.edu. (2013). LibGuides, blog posts, and articles, oh my! AALL
Spectrum, 18(3), 15-16. Retrieved from http://lib-ezproxy.
tamu.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct
=true&db=llf&AN=94056950&site=ehost-live
Categories: Assessment and Usability Testing
This article discusses Web 2.0 technologies that help U.S. law school
students publish more and expand their portfolio, and how the law
librarians at Pace Law School in White Plains, New York have embraced
these tools. Includes a discussion of how LibGuides were used to help
students create their own research guides and their evaluations of the
library’s LibGuides and their peers’ LibGuides.
17. Tapia, J. (2010). Showing distance education students how: Using LibGuides and
adobe captivate. Journal of Library Administration, 50(7), 1039-1039.
doi:10.1080/01930826.2010.489013
Categories: Assessment and Usability Testing
The abstract for this poster session says it demonstrated how combining the
flexibility of LibGuides with the multimedia capabilities of Adobe Captivate
created a dynamic guide for distance learning students at West Virginia
University. It offered an assessment of the project.
18. MARKETING AND OUTREACH
Bazeley, J. W., & Yoose, B. (2013). Notes on operations. Library Resources &
Technical Services, 57(2), 118-127. Retrieved from http://lib-ezproxy.
tamu.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct
=true&db=lih&AN=91790377&site=ehost-live
Categories: Best practices; Marketing and Outreach; Assessment and
Usability Testing
The authors of this paper describe the process of creating, testing, and
implementing LibGuides as a new way of communicating information
between technical services and public services staff at Miami University
Libraries.
Gonzalez, A. C., & Westbrock, T. (2010). Reaching out with LibGuides: Establishing
a working set of best practices. Journal of Library Administration, 50(5), 638-656.
doi:10.1080/01930826.2010.488941
Categories: Best Practices; Assessment and Usability Testing; Marketing
and Outreach
Presents a working set of best practices for the implementation of the
LibGuides platform at New Mexico State University. Includes an Appendix
with a best practices list.
Judd, C., & Montgomery, N. M. (2009). LibGuides and librarians: Connecting
content and community. Kentucky Libraries, 73(3), 14-17. Retrieved
from http://lib-ezproxy.
tamu.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct
=true&db=llf&AN=502982718&site=ehost-live
Article is more of a sales pitch for using LibGuides
Highlights many useful features we already employ
Interesting to note we’re not alone
Some use LibGuides as their web page
Some created guides for internal customers too
Useful ideas
NEW faculty guide
Focus more on FAQ’s
Off campus access
Purchase recommendations
19. E.g. maybe make our “other services” box more prominently featured
Library Guide button automatically on all Blackboard courses
Something for us to campaign for
Schmidt, A., 1978-. (2012). In Etches A.,1975-, ebrary I. (Eds.), User experience
(UX) design for libraries. Chicago: ALA TechSource, an imprint of the American
Library Association. Retrieved from
https://libcat.tamu.edu/vwebv/holdingsInfo?bibId=4040904
Categories for websites: Best practices; Marketing and Outreach;
Assessment and Usability Testing
Complete “how-to handbook that instructs readers about how they can
utilize user-supplied data to inform their information architecture decisions
by conducting open and closed card sort studies and how to stage live
usability testing sessions and focus groups. ….it guides the reader through
how to create heuristic evaluations, the ins and outs of persona
development, and developing a content strategy” to improve the users
experience through improved web site design.
20. ACCESSIBILITY ISSUES
Ghaphery, J., jghapher@vcu.edu, & White, E., erwhite@vcu.edu. (2012). Library
use of web-based research guides. Information Technology & Libraries, 31(1), 21-
31. Retrieved from http://lib-ezproxy.
tamu.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct
=true&db=llf&AN=76374175&site=ehost-live
Categories: Accessibility Issues; Assessment and Usability Testing
Describes the ways in which libraries are currently implementing and
managing web-based research guides. Examines two sets of data – one set
compiled by visiting the web sites of 99 ARL libraries and recording the
characteristics of each site’s research guides and data gathered from an
online survey of librarians about the ways in which their libraries implement
and maintain research guides. Includes an example of a survey they used to
gather information on use of library web-based research guides
21. ORGANIZING LEARNER FRIENDLY GUIDES
Jackson, W. J. (1984). The user-friendly library guide: How to reduce user
frustration by making your guides more readable. College & Research Libraries
News, 45(9), 468-471.
Traditional bibliography list guides
E.g. journal or book lists
Problem
Patrons care less about where (journal, book, handbook) the answer is
found
They want to know how to find the answer
Search Strategy Guides
E.g. “If you want to find ____ info, it’s best to use (e.g. handbooks) and
here’s how to find handbooks)
Emphasizes process not specific source
Teaches “procedure” [skills] that can be used for searching for other things
[I agree this can be good for some things but not necessarily to completely
replace all traditional lists]
Audience identification is step 1 in writing effective guides
Writing style
Friendly
Informal
Organized the way USERS look for it
Clear
Concise
Avoid jargon
Unknown terminology alienates the reader [I feel that myself sometimes]
Choosing a Title
Do not
Name the type of source
Out with the old (i.e. avoid)
“Indexes and Abstracts” VS “Find articles on your topic”
Government Documents
Encyclopedias and dictionaries
Bibliographies
Books
Newspapers [I disagree]
22. Do
tells reader what type of problem the guide can solve
name the “process to be accomplished” or “information to be found”
In with the new
Getting Started [we already do this]
Finding Government Publications
Finding Articles in Journals
Finding Books
Finding Newspaper Articles
Finding Statistics
Finding Information about Laws
Basic Information (Encyclopedias) – [long but I do like the basic info idea]
Finding Quick Fact – [kinda like this one. Not sure off hand of particular
resources that would fit under that tab though]
[I, Tiana, don’t agree with using such long titles. Then you get the
overcrowded – too many rows of tabs problem]
Editorial Board
To assist & assure uniform standards
Perhaps like the role of our LibGuide team p. 471
Could actually be a helpful thing - to get others to proof and provide
suggestions
Little, J. J. (2010). Cognitive load theory and library research guides. Internet
Reference Services Quarterly, 15(1), 53-63. Retrieved from
http://search.proquest.com/docview/742896869?accountid=7082
Categories: Best practices; Organizing learner-friendly guides
Seeks to assist research guide editors in assessing their guides based on
cognitive load theory. Discusses breaking guides down into smaller pieces
so as not to overload the user, removing library terminology from the
document or defining it for the user so as not to confuse them, clear and
defined headings, reducing the amount of extraneous information,
introducing explanatory videos, and using conversation style writing.
Referenced in Metcalf, Susan. “Good Stewards in Trying Times:
Benchmarking Peer Collections of Sociology Reference Sources Using
LibGuides.” Reference Librarian. April-June 2013, Vol. 54, Issue 2, pp. 134-
142.
23. Pittsley, K. A. 1., kpittsle@emich.edu, & Memmott, S., smemmott@emich.edu.
(2012). Improving independent student navigation of complex educational web
sites: An analysis of two navigation design changes in LibGuides. Information
Technology & Libraries, 31(3), 52-64. Retrieved from http://lib-ezproxy.
tamu.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct
=true&db=llf&AN=83583620&site=ehost-live
Categories: Organizing learner-friendly guides; Assessment and usability
testing; Best practices
This study examined the effects that two different types of navigational
design changes (addition of a table of contents box or navigation tabs) had
on user access/usage patterns of an educational website.
Schaffhauser, D. (2013). Will This Website Save Your Library (and your librarians)?
T H E Journal, 40(11), 22-28. Retrieved from http://lib-ezproxy.
tamu.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct
=true&db=eft&AN=94425260&site=ehost-live
Categories: Organizing learner-friendly guides
Discusses the use of virtual learning commons (VLC) in the success of a
school’s web page (K-12) and making librarians relevant in the modern
world of students, teachers, and school districts. Making services as self-service
as possible by using web based applications like a virtual learning
commons (gives tips on creating one) and applications such as LibGuides
and Symbaloo.
Sharp, D., Dean, P., & Hockley, L. (1995). Development of an interactive library
guide at the british film institute. Program, 29(3), 295-303. Retrieved from
http://search.proquest.com.lib-ezproxy.
tamu.edu:2048/docview/57356053?accountid=7082
Categories: Organizing learner friendly guides
Discusses the development of a PC-based touch screen interactive guide for
library users At the British Film Institute that would allow users to find out
about collections and how to access them with greater ease.