Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
Texas A&M University Libraries LibGuides Team Annotated Bibliography by Subject
Citation preview
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
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
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]
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
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
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
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
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]
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
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-
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., [email protected], & Memmott, S., [email protected]. (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
=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.
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., [email protected], & White, E., [email protected]. (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
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
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., [email protected], & Memmott, S., [email protected]. (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=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., [email protected], & Rucinski, T. L. 2., [email protected]. (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.
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.
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
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.
ACCESSIBILITY ISSUES
Ghaphery, J., [email protected], & White, E., [email protected]. (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
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]
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.
Pittsley, K. A. 1., [email protected], & Memmott, S., [email protected]. (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.
