Innovative LibGuides Applications: Real World Examples shows both new and experienced users methods to utilize the platform in ways that they may not have previously considered. This includes topics such as website and learning management system integration, digital collections, data-drive decision-making, information literacy instruction, library administration, and a system-wide case study. Each chapter features ideas that you can implement immediately, or over time, as is appropriate to your own needs. Further, they are adaptable—tweak as you see fit!
Divided into sections, this book examines different uses and approaches to LibGuides:
· Website and learning management system (LMS) integration: examine how LibGuides can be used as, or closely integrated with, the library website and/or your institutions’ LMS. Various examples are provided that you may be able to adapt at your own organization. Not every solution worked as anticipated—our authors address this, as well.
· Digital collections: Two alternate approaches are presented. One looks at exhibitions and their application as outreach tools. The other looks at creating a digital museum within LibGuides. These are “can’t miss” chapters for those that wish to more deeply explore digital collections and LibGuides viability.
· Data-drive decision-making: Learn how some institutions are mining and utilizing data collected within LibApps/LibGuides. In both cases, the data examined helped institutions to improve library services while articulating a clear purpose (and use) for each data point.
· Information literacy: Explore two different methods for revamping your instruction program through utilization of the platform.
· Library administration: Discover how internal and external processes may be augmented through the use of LibApps/LibGuides.
· System-wide case study: See how a community college system in North Carolina has each implemented (or not) LibApps/LibGuides on their respective campuses. This section shows how different institutions may decide to use the platform in different ways—all while attempting to improve their own services.
Upon completion of this authoritative LITA Guide, readers will come away with the knowledge and tools to maximize their LibGuides experience
Table of Contents:
Website Integration
Chapter 1LibGuides as Library Homepage: Rebuilding the LibGuides Default Template
Jeremy Hall, University of North Florida
Chapter 2Incorporating LibAnswers, LibCal, and LibGuides into a WordPress Library
Website
Christa E. Poparad, MSLIS, College of Charleston
Angela R. Flenner, MLIS, MSHP, College of Charleston
Chapter 3Enhancing LibGuides Usability and Discoverability within a Complex Library
Presence
Lisa Campbell, University of Michigan
Ken Varnum, University of Michigan
Albert Bertram, University of Michigan
Chapter 4Leveraging LibGuides as a EZProxy Notifications Interface
Jason Bengtson, MLIS, MA, Kansas State University
Learning Management System Integration
Chapter 5Strategies for Success: Building LibApps in Moodle That Students Will Use
Lydia Willoughby, MLIS, MA, State University of New York at New Paltz
Meghan L. Dowell, MLIS, Beloit College
Chapter 6Using LibGuides as a Learning Management System: An Exploratory Study
Sharon Whitfield, Rowan University
Susan Cavanaugh, Rowan University
Catherine Marchetta, Rowan University
Digital Collections
Chapter 7Using LibGuides to Build a Digital Museum Website
Scott Salzman, Furman University
Christy Allen, Furman University
Chapter 8Exhibition LibGuides as Outreach Tools
Jennifer Schnabel, The Ohio State University
Brigitte Billeaudeaux, University of Memphis
Cody Behles, University of Memphis
Data-Driven Decision-Making
Chapter 9Maximizing LibAnswers Data to Drive Workflow Processes
Andrea Hebert, Louisiana State University
Alice L. Daugherty, Louisiana State University
David Dunaway, Louisiana State University
Chapter 10Pay Attention to the Data behind the Curtain: Leveraging LibGuides Analytics for
Maximum Impact
Jamie L. Emery, MS, Saint Louis University
Sarah E. Fancher, MS, Saint Louis University
Information Literacy
Chapter 11Reimagining Reference and Instruction with LibCalendar
Amanda Peach, Berea College
Chapter 12Using LibGuides to Create Modular Library Research Lessons for Distance
Learners
Melissa Cornwell, Norwich University
Library Administration
Chapter 13Using LibGuides to Facilitate Systematic Staff Training
Stephanie Lee Weiss, University of North Florida
Lauren Newton, University of North Florida
Chapter 14Not Just for Students: Non-Instructional Applications of LibGuides
Lance Day, MSW, MLIS, Samford University
Carla T. Waddell, MLIS, Samford University
Jane C. Daugherty, MLIS, Samford University
Lauren M. Young, MLIS, MA, AHIP, Samford University
System-Wide Case Study
Chapter 15Exploring How North Carolina Community College Libraries Are Using
LibGuides
Suvanida Duangudom, MLS, Wake Technical Community College
Melanie Gnau, MSLS, Wake Technical Community College
About the Author :
Ryan L. Sittler, PhD is an Assistant 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.
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.
Review :
Adding to the growing literature on LibGuides is a LITA (Library Information Technology Assn.) 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.
Whatever role you fill at your library -- instruction librarian, web librarian, LibGuides administrator, or guide creator -- you’ll find something new, interesting and useful in Innovative LibGuides. It covers a vast spectrum of topics from technology tweaks, to user engagement, to instructional design. It’s a thoughtful and deep dive into how to use the LibGuides platform in creative and smart ways.
Innovative Libguides Applications is not only chock-full of great, and innovative, ways to make use of the Libguides environment, but also includes clear, step-by-step directions on how to incorporate those innovations into your library. I was definitely impressed by the easy to follow directions as well as the out of the box thinking on how to do everything from incorporating Libguide content into your website, to creating a website or Learning Management System using Libguides to making Libguides and the other Springshare offerings such as LibAnswers and LibCal work for your particular situation. This is a book that will be useful to anyone - and one that will spark innovative ideas of your own!
