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Before class starts: 

  • Have sign-up sheet for class
  • Set up bookmarks & add an image to the desktop
  • Bump up font a notch
  • Make sure that everyone can sign into their LibGuides account!  If not, set them up with an account.

Class outline:
1. Intro:

  • We'll start out by giving you an overview and showing some examples, and then we'll delve in to hands-on work. 
  • If you want to pull up this outline page, it will have all the links on it: http://libraries.mit.edu/libtalks
  • We'll have drop-in sessions in a few weeks, so don't worry too much if you get a little confused...
  • What is LibGuides? Content management system; specifically designed for libraries by Springshare.  They've gotten great feedback from other institutions, and customer service is excellent.  Hosted on an outside server. 
  • Why we chose LibGuides: interactive features that we couldn't implement easily ourselves; no need for people to know html
  • Task Force formed by UIG & RISG: Remlee, Peter, Angie, Maggie, Georgiana
  • Limitations (ex., can't upload images, not totally customize-able, everything in a box, can't remove borders, etc.)

  • Use the guidelines: https://wikis.mit.edu/confluence/display/LIBGUIDESTF/Recommendations [will make new page by 7/7!]

2. What we're using LibGuides for:

  • Vera subjects vs. subject guides (Research guides)
    • We're merging content from vera listings and subject guides, and we're calling them "research guides."
    • Show 2 Materials examples: http://libguides.mit.edu/materials2, http://libguides.mit.edu/materials3)
    • Marion has set up a guide for every subject that has a Vera category, but that's just to get you started.  You're welcome to change it, but you don't have to.
    • Where will these be linked?  Show the new page that lists all the guides, including old "subject guides" and "publication types" pages: http://libraries.mit.edu/multi-test/research-guides-merged.html
      • E-mail Marion if you want the subcategories in the box changed centrally
      • Database cheatsheets won't be integrated into this list, but instead, we'll provide a link to the cheatsheet where we link to the database.
      • Course pages won't be integrated into the list, but there's a link to them at the top.
    • Go back to the Materials page...  You don't have to keep your database descriptions on this page, but if you want your databases listed on another page or tab, rather than the "home" page, please let Marion know, so she can link to your databases from Vera
    • Could keep the guide she made as is, if you want
    • For now, old subject guides are linked from new page that Marion has made.  You can change those later.
    • Marion has set up list of databases for every subject: http://libguides.mit.edu/content.php?pid=10298
    • You can choose to link to the list on your page, or copy it.  They're all linked, right now. 
      • Pros of linking to the list:
        • Always up to date
      • Pros of copying it: 
        • Can customize it
        • Can add the descriptions to the page 
        • Instant gratification
      • If you're wondering, "What about new databases not on the list?" We'll e-mail you with the new info from Kim.

3.  Hands on walk-through

  • Let's Get Started! (Hands on)
    • Log in
    • Set up your profile.  (go to http://libguides.mit.edu, log in, "customizing your profile")
      • Label the profile box wisely...  Some options include:
        • Keep default "My Profile"
        • Ask Us
        • Subject Specialist
        • Dewey Library (or other library name)
        • Questions?
      • if you have no image, choose not to display an image.  Staff photo use guidelines should be followed, but people should hide the photo box if they don't use it.  No avatars! 
      • use MEEBO if you want (example: http://libguides.mit.edu/mites); Color should match with our color scheme.
      • IM names if you want to
    • Pick page that Marion made to get started: http://libraries.mit.edu/multi-test/research-guides-merged.html ; (If you don't have a guide already, pick any one.)
      • Go to LibGuides: Create new guide, "use template from," and find the guide you want to play with.  Call it " ___-test" (After class, they can choose to keep it, and delete old one or the new one.)
      • It will not be visible to the public, so don't worry!
      • Choose to either show profile box & delete previous contact info box, if they want.  Contact information should always display in top right of every page.
      • Talk about Nicole's tools on templates page (http://libguides.mit.edu/tools)
        • Show how to link to a box from Nicole's templates page.
        • Show how to copy a box (Ask Us or anything)
      • Explain that you can copy or link to the database box.  Copy the box if you want control over it on your page.  Link if you want it to be changed centrally.
      • Create a new plain box.  Show that there are many many fun options, and this is relatively easy to do.  Different box types will be covered in the drop in sessions. 
      • Next select the RSS Feed box to link to the new books for the subject.
      • No set limit to number of boxes allowed on page, but if it looks cluttered or if scrolling is excessive, consider reorganizing or using Dreamweaver.
      • When linking to resources, make sure to link to shortcut URLs: http://libraries.mit.edu/shortcuts
      • When given an option, have links open in a new tab/window.
    • Now that you have some boxes, show:
      • Page Options
        • Reorder boxes
        • Toggle columns
        • User comments are globally set to be moderated; each guide can disable or enable for the whole guide or each box
      • Add tabs/subtabs
        • Maximum of one row of tabs (5 or 6, max).  If you need more, consider reorganizing your pages, or use Dreamweaver.
        • Don't link to URL in add a new tab box! 
      • Guide options
        • How to change your title and add a description
        • Not using tags
        • Colors are set globally, so nothing you pick here will show up
        • Add/change editors
        • View usage stats (we'll also have Google Analytics stats, more info later)
      • Preview mode
    • Finishing your page:
      • Under "change status":
        • Naming your shortcut URL (required; refer to shortcut URL list; make it "-test" for now (If you don't like the shortcut, ask Marion to change it)
        • Filing it under subjects (can choose more than one; show where it shows up: http://libguides.mit.edu)
        • Private vs. unpublished vs. public guides
      • Making things live
        • No need for approval
        • Delete the old published guide, and quickly rename the new version with the same friendly URL
        • Contact Marion to link from index pages
    • Be sure to mention:
      • Add pages to the Guides created by other users - don't use this option without checking with the person who created the page!!
      • You can link to images on our web site if you know how for now (see http://libguides.mit.edu/compsci-test); later, we'll try Thalia, so keep it simple for now (less images)
      • If you know html, a lot of boxes will accept the code.  Feel free to play with it, and ask us if you can't get LibGuides to do something you think it should.
      • When to use and when not to use:

4.  Getting Help

  • Who to email [libguides@mit.edu]

  • We'll have a big staff orientation in August with information on all the changes, and documentation on all of the new stuff.

5.  Play time!!

After class:

  • Email attendees with links: LibTalks, staff web guidelines, writing for web, etc.
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