why good libguide design matters & how you can get it right
DESCRIPTION
Learn how to combine principles of effective web design with Springshare's LibGuides so you can create better research guides for your patrons. There are notes on a handful of slides, in particular, those which are untitled.TRANSCRIPT
Information source: Using LibGuides to Enhance Library Services (Dobbs, Sittler, and Cook), p. 104
Image sources: http://www.i2symbol.com/symbols/popular/x30C4-katakana-letter-tu-smiley-face; http://jeffdegraff.com/blog/2014/02/mastering-the-five-levels-of-creativity-part-2/; http://www.teachingcollegeenglish.com/2013/02/27/5-potential-teaching-alternatives/
CriticalThinking
Creativity
PositiveEmotion
s
Write for the Web!
● Be concise; many people skim● Start with most important
information● F-shaped reading pattern● Begin paragraphs, bullet
points, etc. with “information carrying” words
Information sources: Using LibGuides to Enhance Library Services (Dobbs, Sittler, and Cook), p. 112 and http://www.nngroup.com/articles/f-shaped-pattern-reading-web-content/
An Example
Chunk or Choke
Chunking is a learning theory that involves the breakdown of a concept into smaller units to facilitate learning.
Information source: Using LibGuides to Enhance Library Services (Dobbs, Sittler, and Cook), p. 123
Image source: http://junbelen.wordpress.com/2010/01/11/homemade-split-pea-soup-with-homemade-cornbread/
Chunking and LibGuides
● Create small content boxes
● Resize columns
● Use color to emphasize important points or steps
Information source: Using LibGuides to Enhance Library Services (Dobbs, Sittler, and Cook), p. 123
An Example
Another Example
Eliminate “Nice to Know”
Each person has a finite amount of working memory, or what they can be actively thinking about while performing other tasks such as reading or learning.
Information source: Using LibGuides to Enhance Library Services (Dobbs, Sittler, and Cook), p. 123
Image source: http://susancorso.com/seedsforsanctuary/2014/04/steve-pavlina-on-training-your-brain/
Working Memory and LibGuides
● Simplify content and
directions
● Be clear and specific
● Incorporate chunking
Information source: Using LibGuides to Enhance Library Services (Dobbs, Sittler, and Cook), p. 123
Reduce or Get Rid of Jargon
Minimize Scrolling
● Remember that we have a
limited amount of working
memory
● Many users will give up when
they see too much information
Minimize Fonts and Colors● Some color and font
variation is okay● Most people assume blue
and purple text is hyperlinked
● Contrast between font and background colors
● Red-green color blindness
Content on Home/Main TabLess is more: Usage generally declines with each successive
tab
Content on Home/Main TabLess is more: Usage generally declines with each successive
tab
Balance Your Columns
Limit Number of Tabs/Pages
No Sub-Pages
Can you see which tab has sub-pages?
Many users don’t notice them.
Customize Every LibGuide
Climate Change LibGuidePhysics LibGuide
Customize Every LibGuide
Limit Number of Suggested Resources
Which list is more appealing?
Images and/or Visuals Are Essential
Pros:● More visually
appealing
● Adds white space
Cons:● Can’t track clicks● Won’t appear on
broken link checker● Sometimes have to
use screenshots for logos
An Example
•General Topic: Technology
•Facets of Topic: automobiles, cell phones, wireless technology, text messaging, social networking, GPS systems
•Aspects of Topic: legal (state and/or federal); social; psychological
•Time Span: 1990s; current
•Place: United States; urban; rural
•Focused Research Question: Should cell phone use be banned with driving?
An Easy Way to Create Visual Aids:
Microsoft Word SmartArt
Where to Find Database Logos
Gale: http://solutions.cengage.com/Gale/Product-Icons/
Ebsco: https://www.ebscohost.com/customerSuccess/default.php?id=189
There are probably other vendors who provide icons for their products
Creating Screenshots
Snagit by Techsmith (license):● Can take one screenshot of
scrolling webpage● Video option● Add text, highlight, blur, etc.● Transparent background● Can edit at a later time
Snipping Tool (Windows OS):● Can only capture what is
visible (i.e., no scrolling)● Can only write using mouse
(i.e., no type)● Highlighter (but very rough)● Cannot edit later
Tips for Creating Screenshots● Do not use shadow feature when circling text
NO: YES: ● Show only what’s necessary● Make highlighter look clean
NO:
YES:
Link or Give Credit for Images
Obviously a kitten isn’t killed when we don’t give credit, but we
should emulate those behaviors desired in our
students.
Further Reading Using LibGuides to Enhance Library Services
http://www.amazon.com/Using-LibGuides-Enhance-Library-Services/dp/1555708803/
Design for How People Learnhttp://www.amazon.com/Design-People-Learn-Voices-Matter/dp/0321768434/
e-Learning and the Science of Instruction: Proven Guidelines for Consumers and Designers of Multimedia Learninghttp://www.amazon.com/-Learning-Science-Instruction-Guidelines-Multimedia/dp/0470874309/
The Non-Designer’s Design Bookhttp://www.amazon.com/Non-Designers-Design-Book-3rd/dp/0321534042/