Tips
This page contains helpful tips for making your LibGuides useful and clear to students.
Update your LibGuides with a new guide layout.
1. Edit your guide and click on the Guide Layout button.
2. Select Guide Navigation Layout from the dropdown to select the layout template you want to use. If you selected a side navigation layout, your menu will look similar to the menu on the left side of this LibGuide. Don't forget to click the Save button!
Learn more about the page layout template for LibGuides here.
Consider creating a table-of-contents to give users an idea of everything within the guide and how to proceed.
Use a personal tone of voice and avoid jargon, especially when working with undergraduate students.
Instead of saying
Databases are authoritative sources of reliable and scholarly information
Try saying
You can find helpful information like articles in databases
Use pronouns to sound more personal to users.
Instead of saying
Users may access printers on the first floor
Try
You can use the printers on the first floor
LibGuides are for users, so keep them focused on the user. Arrange content logically and in a way that will appeal to students.
Instead of
using text and pictures that are hard to understand
Try
arranging content in an order that makes sense to students, and using images that are relevant to them
Check for broken links on a regular (suggestion: monthly) basis.
Login to LibGuides via LibApps and click on:
Tools --> Link Checker
Focus on using an active voice rather than a passive voice.
Instead of saying
Study spaces are provided at the library
Try
The library provides study spaces
Too many tabs can be overwhelming!
Try to use fewer than 7 tabs, if possible.
Get feedback.
Consider getting feedback from students after--or at the end of--your IL sessions. Useful feedback can help improve future IL sessions. An IL Session Feedback Form can be found in LibWizard; feel free to reuse this form, or create your own.