Why LibGuides?
We decided to use LibGuides as a development platform for our research guides because it makes standardization easy with the ability to reuse tabs (pages), boxes (pages are made up of boxes), and links. However, it provides room for creativity as there is always choice to link to content, copy content, or create new content. Content such as database URLs and boxes such as Ask a Librarian can be reused, but other types of content, such as book suggestions for a specific topic can be customized. In addition, LibGuides allows librarians to incorporate web 2.0 features (e.g. RSS feeds, videos, and user feedback forms) with no knowledge of code.
RESEARCH GUIDES IN A NUTSHELL
- Launched Spring 2011
- 23 Research Guides created by 9 librarians
- Available from the Library website and in the Library Learning Object Repository
- View complete usage statistics
View Guides by Subject
Comments About RESEARCH Guides
I just completed a library instructional session. I have attended these sessions in the past for Writing 121 and 122. I want to let the library know how excited I am about the updates to the library site. The site is so much easier to navigate, and the new section where you can click on your writing class and have access to the best databases to use, guides, etc. made me so happy. This is an amazing tool, and one I will definitely be utilizing. I am confident that I will be a better student by having access to that information alone. Thank you!
- anonymous student
I would like to thank Suzanne Sawyer and her staff for creating an LCC Library Research Guide for the Criminal Justice Program. The guide includes embedded videos and other research help tips on writing reports as well as evaluating information. This ‘thank you’ is from the Criminal Justice faculty group.
- James Bender, eLearning, CTE Spotlight on Faculty, May 2011
I am particularly impressed with the Research Guide websites that were put together over the summer. The site for Writ 121 is outstanding — it really provides one-stop shopping for our students. It answers in advance all the questions that they don?t realize that they will have, and certainly will facilitate the research process. During class, I will be emphasizing the importance of this resource for them as they research and write their essays.
- Philip Lewin, Writing instructor
Set Up Process
After we purchased LibGuides, I had to figure out how to implement it. First, I had to learn how the system worked and what options were available. Next, I created the building blocks or the content that would be shared, such as information about Ask a Librarian, a box to search the library catalog, and a list of reusable database links. I used our existing online research guides and paper handouts we used in instruction to come up with this reusable content.
- A to Z Boxes – reusable guide content
- A to Z Links – links to research databases
Using the boxes as building blocks, I created a templates for librarians to customize for their liaison areas.
In addition, I set up guidelines for the content and visual appearance of research guides. I created resources to train librarians in using the new system and provided assistance as guides were created.
Finally, I set up a process for ongoing training, maintaining existing content, and making decisions about creating new content. We meet at the end of each semester to discuss new features of Research Guides, to work with a partner to discuss possible revisions, and to make group decisions about creating new content. At the beginning of the next semester we devote a reference meeting to sharing how we have updated and enhanced our guides.
-- Download Research Guides as PDF --