Type of Presentation

Individual paper/presentation (20 minute presentation)

Target Audience

Higher Education

Location

ELAB 38

Abstract

Since migrating LibGuides from version 1.0 to 2.0 in 2015, librarians at Gardner-Webb University have adopted a continuous evaluation approach that addresses best practices in LibGuides design, accessibility, and instruction techniques. This presentation will provide an overview of Gardner-Webb Library’s experiences with the migration and evaluation process.

The librarians formed a professional learning community (PLC) to choose colors, fonts, and layout templates to use after the migration that would fit in with the university’s branding. In 2018, one of the librarians provided best practices and training in accessibility for people with disabilities. In the summer of 2019, two of the librarians led an effort to refresh or delete outdated LibGuides, update all LibGuide pages to include friendly urls, and group them into their respective topic areas.

At a small academic institution, finding a balance between best practices and allowing creative flexibility can be a challenge, particularly when attempting to establish new best practices. It is important to understand the diverse needs of the users who will be navigating the guides, as well as the institution’s culture.

From this session, participants will take away ideas and tools to identify and evaluate the design and accessibility of their LibGuides, which will support information literacy instruction both face-to-face-and online.

Presentation Description

Since migrating LibGuides from version 1.0 to 2.0 in 2015 librarians at Gardner-Webb University have adopted a continuous evaluation approach that addresses best practices in LibGuides design, accessibility, and instruction techniques. This presentation will provide an overview of their experiences during the LibGuides implementation, as well as the challenges that they encountered throughout the migration. Participants will take away ideas and tools to identify and evaluate the design and accessibility of their LibGuides, which will support information literacy instruction.

Session Goals

Overview of LibGuides migration

Tools and best practices for LibGuides design

Evaluate and refresh existing LibGuides content

Keywords

LibGuides, online learning, information literacy, accessibility, design thinking, professional learning community

Publication Type and Release Option

Presentation (Open Access)

Share

COinS
 
Feb 22nd, 10:15 AM Feb 22nd, 11:30 AM

LibGuides 2.0 Continued: Implementing Best Practices in Design and Accessibility After Migration

ELAB 38

Since migrating LibGuides from version 1.0 to 2.0 in 2015, librarians at Gardner-Webb University have adopted a continuous evaluation approach that addresses best practices in LibGuides design, accessibility, and instruction techniques. This presentation will provide an overview of Gardner-Webb Library’s experiences with the migration and evaluation process.

The librarians formed a professional learning community (PLC) to choose colors, fonts, and layout templates to use after the migration that would fit in with the university’s branding. In 2018, one of the librarians provided best practices and training in accessibility for people with disabilities. In the summer of 2019, two of the librarians led an effort to refresh or delete outdated LibGuides, update all LibGuide pages to include friendly urls, and group them into their respective topic areas.

At a small academic institution, finding a balance between best practices and allowing creative flexibility can be a challenge, particularly when attempting to establish new best practices. It is important to understand the diverse needs of the users who will be navigating the guides, as well as the institution’s culture.

From this session, participants will take away ideas and tools to identify and evaluate the design and accessibility of their LibGuides, which will support information literacy instruction both face-to-face-and online.