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LibGuides Reflection & Redesign: A Look into NWACC Library's LibGuides Project

This guide outlines the NWACC Library's 2023 LibGuides redesign project, focusing on standardization, usability, and the integration of best practices for a consistent user experience.

Where to start for your own project

Starting a LibGuide project can seem difficult and time consuming, so be prepared for a project like this to take time. Before and during the project, we recommend the following:

1. Establish Clear Goals and Timeline
  • Define Objectives: Clearly outline what you aim to achieve with the LibGuides. This could include improving consistency, enhancing user experience, or integrating specific learning principles.
  • Set a Timeline: Establish a realistic timeline for the project, with milestones to track progress. This helps keep the team focused and on schedule.
2. Conduct a Needs Assessment
  • Identify User Needs: Understand the needs of your primary users (students, faculty, etc.).
  • Evaluate Existing Guides: Assess the current guides to identify gaps, inconsistencies, and areas for improvement.
3. Research Best Practices and Learning Principles
  • Best Practices: Look for examples of well-designed LibGuides from other libraries. Identify what makes them effective and consider how these elements can be adapted to your context.
  • Learning Principles: Incorporate relevant educational theories such as adult learning principles, TPACK, and heutagogy to ensure the guides are pedagogically sound.
4. Develop a Standardized Template
  • Create a Prototype: Develop a prototype guide template that includes essential elements like navigation, content layout, and multimedia integration.
  • Consistency: Ensure the template promotes uniformity across all guides, making it easier for users to navigate and find information.
  • Individuality: Allow room for customization so librarians can meet the various needs of their students.
5. Collaboration with the Team
  • Team Assignments: Assign specific tasks to team members, such as researching best practices, creating content, or reviewing guides.
  • Regular Meetings: Hold regular meetings to discuss progress, share updates, and address any challenges.
6. Implementation and Review
  • Pilot Testing: Test the prototype guides with a small group of users to gather feedback and make necessary adjustments.
  • Continuous Improvement: After the launch, regularly review and update the guides based on user feedback and changing needs.
7. Training and Support
  • Staff Training: Provide training for librarians on how to create and maintain LibGuides using the standardized template.
  • User Support: Offer support resources for users, such as tutorials or help sections within the guides.
8. Documentation and Communication
  • Document and Communicate Processes: Keep detailed documentation of the project process, decisions made, and lessons learned. This can be valuable for future projects.

Standards for NWACC Library Guides

To get started, you will want to copy the LibGuide Template - original Summer 2023 Project. Make sure to make a COPY, not map to it. You will name the LibGuide and hit "Create Guide".

All LibGuides must follow these standards: 
  1. Header banner
    • Can make through Canva or Photoshop
  2. Create links to each tab on homepage under the "Get Started" box
  3. Side Navigation ONLY
  4. 4-6 tabs, with sub-tabs if more are needed
  5. Librarians can have 1 wildcard tab relating to the chosen topic
  6. Always keep "Participate" tab hidden unless you are teaching

For subject guides, the following tabs need to be present:

  1. Get Started
  2. Plan Your Search
  3. Find Your Sources
  4. Wildcard Tab (optional)
  5. Get More Help
  6. Participate 

**NOTE: All new tabs should start with verb phrases. Ex: "Explore Our Collection"; "Find Study Materials"