LibGuide Best Practices

Select the layout that will best fit the content you plan for the guide to maximize the ease of

• Side-Nav Layout - Recommended as it is easier to read
  • Best practice for 3 column layout
    • Leave the left column for Navigation--so it displays on top on a small screen.  Possibly an additional small box below the Navigation for content you want to display on top.
    • Use the Center column for the main content.
    • Use right column for profile/contact and "other links"
• Narrow Right Column - Best for guides that have more lists and not much text
• Tab Layout - Best for guides with considerable content (see Prices and Wages guide as example)
  • Organize so that there is only 1 line of tabs

Consistent use of naming conventions will make it easier to organize and find the guides. 

• Course Guide format
  • Course Name - Course Number - "Guide to Resources" - descriptive title
    • Ex: History 4000/7000 Guide to Resources: Life and Times of C.S. Lewis
  • For English 1000, format:  Course Name - Course Number - "Guide to Resources" - Instructor's name
    • Ex:  English 1000 Guide to Resources: Jennifer Johnson
       
• Subject Guide format
  • Main subject of guide - "Guide to Resources" - subtitle (if applicable)
    • Ex:  History Guide to Resources
    • Ex:  Animal Species Guides to Resources: Invertebrates
       
• General Purpose format
  • Main subject of guide
    • Ex: LibX Browser Extension

Note: Do not confuse subject guide titles or course guide titles with Metadata fields.

The guide description serves as an introduction to the guide.

• State the purpose of the guide
  • Consider that the audience may not be aware of the purpose
    • Ex: Your guide to information on choosing a career, applying for jobs, interviewing, and much more.
       
• Subject Guides should have a consistent description as they display in Canvas:
  Tips, techniques & links to help you find answers for your research papers & projects

Guide Type will assign the guide to the appropriate category for display on the site.

• If not a course guide or subject guide, select General Purpose as guide type.
• English 1000 is reserved for those specific courses.

Group Assignment will identify the appropriate group for the guide to display within.

• If not for a specific group, select University Libraries.
• Guides that are assigned to the Staff group are hidden from the public search.

Password will restrict access to the guide.

• Do not assign a password unless the guide must only be for specific users' access.
• Staff guides may require passwords to display secured information.

Share Guide Content will allow other SpringShare users to copy content after requesting permission.

• Default is set to share content with all SpringShare users.
• Can be changed to only share within the Libraries or to not share with anyone.