Friday, March 22, 2013

#JSC2013: Colin Magee - Using LibGuides to build a website


An advanced presentation on LibGuides.

The problem - the library did not have a lot of control over the website.  They thought that using LibGuides would help them gain control of their website.

The standard academic library website look similar to the University of Kentucky Library website.  

Asvury Theological Seminary had done what Colin had in mind.
Four best practices:
- every service we provide should be integrated into LibGuides
- the people who deal with patrons are the best ones to design something responsive to the patrons.
- it's easier for us to change our plans than to expect all of our users to change their browsing habits.
- don't make them click  any mor than they have to.  Fewer clicks makes for happier users.

Static versus dynamic content - Using LibGuides for dynamic content.  IT wanted them to not use LibGuides for static content.

Examples of dynamic content:
- database A-Z list
--- a list that students can access, but actually more important for staff.  
Links are reusable throughout the LibGuides.  If something changes, it only has to change in the A-Z list.  
--- start by creating a spreadsheet of all databases that includes producer, title, and URL (with ezproxy info).
- subject guides
--- includes dynamic search boxes
----- LibGuides allows you to create your own search boxes.  Check the LibGuides help pages for information.
----- requires editing HTML.  Colin has created a cheat sheet to help with that.
----- he advocated that you use Firefox when building search boxes, rather than IE.
- can become the front page that students in specific subject areas see.  Promote the LibGuide rather than the main library website.

Colin's directions for creating specific search boxes are t:

No comments: