LibGuides Best Practices

Best practices guide authors on creating course, subject, and how do I guides.

General Tips

Be cognizant of what you are choosing as the first link to appear on a page or in a box.
- Users tend to choose resources that are at the top of the list or page. Also, LibGuides' responsive template means that users on mobile devices will first encounter boxes and content on the left, top section of a page.
Keep “Why” information to a minimum. Gather it in one box or tab.
Structure “How Do I” guides to be task-oriented and to help users find quick information quickly.
Design guides so that they work for audiences with a range of research skill levels.
Provide multiple options for getting help.
- Indicate the response time associated with each method of communication (email, chat, phone call, etc.).

Remove embedded content from external applications like Scribd.
Regularly review external content, such as video tutorials, to ensure that content is relevant, up to date, and ADA compliant.
For video tutorials, include only videos that are short and relevant.
Indicate in the link description or title if a link goes to a video. This ensures that users realize a video will begin playing when they click a link.

Customize database descriptions to guide purpose.
Include language or visuals that instruct users how and/or why to use a database.
Suggest as few databases as realistically needed.
For custom database descriptions, select “Display beneath item title” for Description display (not the i/hover).

Choose either an embedded search box or a list of databases.
If you include a search box, ensure that it is highly visible. If you must include both, ensure the search box makes sense alongside a list of databases.