In general, we recommend that LibGuides creators:
- Follow the web style & writing guidelines already in practice.
- Keep it simple!
We tried to make the guidelines strict enough to make the pages look consistent and clean, but flexible enough to allow for creativity and to accommodate different types of content.
Unanswered questions:
- Where should people store images? LibGuides doesn't currently have an option to upload images to their site.
- Who should choose 5 custom questions in profile page? (We recommend to NOT make answering them mandatory!)
Recommendation |
Why? |
Example |
|---|---|---|
Marion should set up a page for each subject, with Vera database descriptions on first page, in rich text type box, with as much white space as possible and clean fonts (no italics), in two-column page layout. |
Simple for Marion to add, simple for librarians to edit, copy, etc., provides a clean start for librarians |
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Use of LibGuides is optional. |
Some guides are too complex for LibGuides, and some creators will prefer html |
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All publication types, subject pages, databases cheatsheets, course pages, etc. will be called "Research guides" instead. |
Users don't care what they're called... Simplify! |
Publication type, subject page, course page, database cheatsheet |
Use "friendly" URLs (shortcut URLs) for all pages. |
Easier for users to remember, cleaner looking on page |
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Contact information should always display in top right. People shouldn't be required to use the designated profile box. |
To make the location of contact info consistent. Different guides/groups have different needs, and default profile box is limiting. |
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Staff photo use guidelines should be followed, but people should hide the photo box if they don't use it. No avatars! |
Some people are adamantly opposed to posting their picture, but some like putting a face to the library. Avatars are distracting, and could vary wildly. |
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Adding chat contact info is optional. People are welcome to embed Meebo boxes, but color should match with our color scheme. |
Not everyone likes chat! Meebo offers some gaudy color schemes, so some guidelines would help. |
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Set a maximum of one row of tabs (5 or 6, max). Subtabs may be used, but should be kept as simple as possible and labelled wisely. |
To make navigation easy, and to reduce clutter. |