LibGuides: A Rough Guide 

this is a LibGuide

LibGuides is a web 2.0 content management and information sharing system designed specifically for Libraries.

It can supplement or replace your existing Library website.

LibGuides is developed by Springshare.

Presentations on how we use LibGuides.

pages 

pages and sub-pages arranged by tabs and drop-down menus

boxes
pages are built with individual boxes

profile
each guide owner can include their profile

December 2007

We first learned about LibGuides in December 2007.

February 2008

February 2008, LibGuides trial account set-up.

Over the next few months we explored LibGuides and got more and more excited about how it could transform our website and the way our learners access our resources.

For several years we had been consulting with our Web Services department to create an in-house database that would allow us to create more learner-centred "subject guides" where article databases, selected websites, and relevant subject headings would be integrated into a one-stop shop, dynamically generated guide.

With LibGuides, we could do this while integrating web 2.0 technologies into the mix.

May 2008

We "officially" starting using LibGuides. :-)

September 2008

By fall 2008 several librarians tested the waters by creating class guides for their information literacy classes.

April 2009

During spring 2009, the instruction team developed and finalized a template for the subject guides.

Summer 2009

Summer 2009, our part time reference staff assisted in developing and populating content for the subject guides. At this time, our citation guides (APA, MLA, Chicago) were also developed to supplement our print handouts.

Fall 2009

Fall 2009, we are officially using the subject guides; they are linked from our website, from the college portal, and used in library classes and at the information desk.

Winter 2010

Winter 2010, we are planning assessment of our guides through focus groups and other usability testing methods (to gain insight on effectiveness of access points, labels, design).

This video from Springshare provides an overview of all the things that you can do with LibGuides!

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