Integrating LibGuides into Library Websites: (LITA Guides)

Integrating LibGuides into Library Websites introduces ideas and options for both newer users and administrators. This book covers responsive, mobile-first web design, and provides overviews and in-depth information for LibGuides authors and administrators. Topics covered include: ·Introduction: If you’re new to LibGuides, learn the ins and outs as well as how to maximize functionality through the use of the new version and LibApps ·Administration and Management: Learn about the administrator’s role in LibGuides and how you foster cooperation and integration between content creators and users ·Usability and Accessibility: Using theoretical and concrete ideas, improve LibGuides content and user experience ·Pedagogy: Through tips and best practices, learn how to enhance the classroom experience by incorporating LibGuides into teaching Level-up your LibGuides content with improved accessibility and usability. Imbue your LibGuides instructional support with sound pedagogical theory. It’s great to have a useful, accessible site as a starting point. Take your LibGuides to the next level using sound pedagogical design and practices. Through detailed instructions and real life examples, this authoritative LITA Guide provides you with the tools and knowledge to enhance and invigorate your LibGuides experience.

Table of Contents:
Introduction and Overview of LibGuides and LibApps Chapter 1Good Foundations: Setting up Your LibGuides System for Easy Long-Term Maintenance Emily Marie King, MSLS, College of Southern Nevada Chapter 2Manager, Librarian and Web Developer: How a Multidisciplinary Team Re-Imagined LibApps Stefanie Metko, MLIS, Virginia Tech Lauren Pressley, University of Washington Jonathan Bradley, PhD, Virginia Tech Chapter 3Making the Case for Migration: Enhanced Functionality with LibGuides Version 2 CMS and the A-Z Database List Christine Tobias, MLIS, Michigan State University Administering and Maintaining LibGuides Chapter 4Using LibGuides CMS and Customized Templates to Create and Maintain Your Library Website Brighid M. Gonzales, Our Lady of the Lake University Chapter 5LibGuides Administration Paul Thompson, The University of Akron Chapter 6LibGuides Administration: Roadmap to Engaging Content Jennifer W. Bazeley, Miami University Jennifer J. Natale, Miami University Elizabeth Sullivan, Miami University Chapter 7Content Wrangling for LibGuides Administrators Aida Marissa Smith, MLIS, American Public University System Designing and Developing Effective LibGuides Chapter 8Making User-Friendly Guides: Navigation and Content Considerations Joshua Welker, MISLT, University of Missouri-Columbia Chapter 9To the Left, To the Left: Implementing & Using Side Navigation and Tabbed Boxes in LibGuides Jaleh Fazelian, MA, MLS, John Carroll University Melissa Vetter, MSLIS, Washington University in St. Louis Chapter 10Making LibGuides Accessible to All Danielle Skaggs, West Chester University of Pennsylvania Chapter 11LibGuides: Creating Accessible User Experiences Melissa Fortson Green, The University of Alabama Pedagogy and Instruction with LibGuides Chapter 12Infusing Pedagogy into LibGuides Elizabeth German, Texas A&M University Stephanie Graves, Texas A&M University Chapter 13Access and Universal Design for Learning in LibGuides 2.0 Kimberly Shotick, Northeastern Illinois University Chapter 14LibGuides Two Ways: Teaching Information Literacy In and Out of the Classroom Lucinda Rush, MLIS, MME, Old Dominion University Chapter 15Redesigning LibGuides as Online Learning Modules Melissa Gomis, University of Michigan

About the Author :
Aaron W. Dobbs is an Associate Professor – Scholarly Communication and Electronic Resources Librarian at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania. Aaron manages the library website, fully managed in LibGuides, and lives in the future as often as possible. His previous publication and presentation topics include: LibGuides, web design, future planning, and library assessment. His current research areas include library assessment and anticipating future users' research skills, needs, and background assumptions. Aaron can be contacted via email at aaron@thelibrarian.org and via Twitter: @awd. Ryan L. Sittler, PhD is an Associate Professor – Instructional Technology/Information Literacy Librarian at California University of Pennsylvania. He holds a Ph.D. in Communications Media and Instructional Technology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and his research interests are in information literacy and educational media design for learning and performance improvement. Previous publication topics include instructional technology as it applies to librarians, information literacy teaching and learning, and LibGuides utilization. Ryan can be contacted via email at sittler@calu.edu or via Twitter: @ryanlsittler.

Review :
Adding to the growing literature on LibGuides is a LITA guide edited by Dobbs and Sittler. Boasting a suite of services from the flagship LibGuides to the newest CMS platform, the editors discuss digital content products such as Springshare, which doesn’t require user coding skills. Building on this characteristic, Dobbs and Sittler have collected chapters on administering, maintaining, designing and developing LibGuides as well as pedagogy and instruction using the system. The audience for this book is very broad, as the editors note: it is meant for current and potential users, new and experienced users. It is also valuable for those who have not migrated to LibGuides2. The chapters convey an even mix of theory, practical information, and figures to aid readers. Verdict: An essential addition to the literature on LibGuides that deserves a place on the shelf of any librarian or library administrator using the platform. Integrating LibGuides into Library Websites is the "LibGuides cookbook" you have been eagerly waiting for. The book helps you head straight to your area of need and interest to get practical information about designing, using and managing LibGuides for your library. Written from the perspective of academic librarians, this book walks you through four areas of LibGuide Use and Management. Each area focuses on a specific LibGuide skill: Creation and Justification of your Guide, Managing Your Guide, Designing your Guide and Using your LibGiuide as an instructional tool. I cannot tell you how happy it makes me to pick up a book and go right to the chapter I need knowing I will find great information when I get there. The book contains a balance of theory and practical steps to engage many different types of readers. Also invaluable are the references at the end of each chapter for further exploration. LibGuides is a powerful tool for libraries, offering customized tools for presenting information. Like any powerful and complex tool, it can become an unwieldy mess, losing its utility for you and your patrons. Dobbs and Sittler have brought together useful guidance from our colleagues already on the LibGuides path which covers not only What the product suite can do for you, but how to go about it without reinventing any wheels - or tearing your hair out. I'm always grateful for help like that!