Innovative LibGuides Applications: Real World Examples(LITA Guides)

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!