Integrating LibGuides into Library Websites

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.

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.

• Introduction and Overview of LibGuides and LibAppsChapter 1Good Foundations: Setting up Your LibGuides System for Easy Long-Term MaintenanceEmily Marie King, MSLS, College of Southern Nevada Chapter 2Manager, Librarian and Web Developer: How a Multidisciplinary Team Re-Imagined LibAppsStefanie Metko, MLIS, Virginia TechLauren Pressley, University of Washington Jonathan Bradley, PhD, Virginia TechChapter 3Making the Case for Migration: Enhanced Functionality with LibGuides Version 2 CMSand the A-Z Database List Christine Tobias, MLIS, Michigan State UniversityAdministering and Maintaining LibGuidesChapter 4Using LibGuides CMS and Customized Templates to Create and Maintain Your Library WebsiteBrighid M. Gonzales, Our Lady of the Lake UniversityChapter 5LibGuides AdministrationPaul Thompson, The University of AkronChapter 6LibGuides Administration: Roadmap to Engaging ContentJennifer W. Bazeley, Miami UniversityJennifer J. Natale, Miami UniversityElizabeth Sullivan, Miami UniversityChapter 7Content Wrangling for LibGuides AdministratorsAida Marissa Smith, MLIS, American Public University SystemDesigning and Developing Effective LibGuidesChapter 8Making User-Friendly Guides: Navigation and Content ConsiderationsJoshua Welker, MISLT, University of Missouri-ColumbiaChapter 9To the Left, To the Left: Implementing & Using Side Navigation and Tabbed Boxes in LibGuidesJaleh Fazelian, MA, MLS, John Carroll UniversityMelissa Vetter, MSLIS, Washington University in St. LouisChapter 10Making LibGuides Accessible to AllDanielle Skaggs, West Chester University of PennsylvaniaChapter 11LibGuides: Creating Accessible User ExperiencesMelissa Fortson Green, The University of AlabamaPedagogy and Instruction with LibGuides Chapter 12Infusing Pedagogy into LibGuidesElizabeth German, Texas A&M University Stephanie Graves, Texas A&M University Chapter 13Access and Universal Design for Learning in LibGuides 2.0Kimberly Shotick, Northeastern Illinois UniversityChapter 14LibGuides Two Ways: Teaching Information Literacy In and Out of the ClassroomLucinda Rush, MLIS, MME, Old Dominion UniversityChapter 15Redesigning LibGuides as Online Learning ModulesMelissa Gomis, University of Michigan