Innovative LibGuides Applications

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.

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.

• Website IntegrationChapter 1LibGuides as Library Homepage: Rebuilding the LibGuides Default TemplateJeremy Hall, University of North FloridaChapter 2Incorporating LibAnswers, LibCal, and LibGuides into a WordPress LibraryWebsiteChrista E. Poparad, MSLIS, College of Charleston Angela R. Flenner, MLIS, MSHP, College of CharlestonChapter 3Enhancing LibGuides Usability and Discoverability within a Complex LibraryPresenceLisa Campbell, University of MichiganKen Varnum, University of MichiganAlbert Bertram, University of MichiganChapter 4Leveraging LibGuides as a EZProxy Notifications InterfaceJason Bengtson, MLIS, MA, Kansas State UniversityLearning Management System IntegrationChapter 5Strategies for Success: Building LibApps in Moodle That Students Will UseLydia Willoughby, MLIS, MA, State University of New York at New PaltzMeghan L. Dowell, MLIS, Beloit CollegeChapter 6Using LibGuides as a Learning Management System: An Exploratory StudySharon Whitfield, Rowan UniversitySusan Cavanaugh, Rowan UniversityCatherine Marchetta, Rowan UniversityDigital CollectionsChapter 7Using LibGuides to Build a Digital Museum WebsiteScott Salzman, Furman UniversityChristy Allen, Furman UniversityChapter 8Exhibition LibGuides as Outreach ToolsJennifer Schnabel, The Ohio State UniversityBrigitte Billeaudeaux, University of MemphisCody Behles, University of MemphisData-Driven Decision-MakingChapter 9Maximizing LibAnswers Data to Drive Workflow ProcessesAndrea Hebert, Louisiana State University Alice L. Daugherty, Louisiana State UniversityDavid Dunaway, Louisiana State UniversityChapter 10Pay Attention to the Data behind the Curtain: Leveraging LibGuides Analytics for Maximum ImpactJamie L. Emery, MS, Saint Louis UniversitySarah E. Fancher, MS, Saint Louis UniversityInformation LiteracyChapter 11Reimagining Reference and Instruction with LibCalendarAmanda Peach, Berea CollegeChapter 12Using LibGuides to Create Modular Library Research Lessons for DistanceLearnersMelissa Cornwell, Norwich UniversityLibrary AdministrationChapter 13Using LibGuides to Facilitate Systematic Staff TrainingStephanie Lee Weiss, University of North FloridaLauren Newton, University of North FloridaChapter 14Not Just for Students: Non-Instructional Applications of LibGuidesLance Day, MSW, MLIS, Samford UniversityCarla T. Waddell, MLIS, Samford UniversityJane C. Daugherty, MLIS, Samford UniversityLauren M. Young, MLIS, MA, AHIP, Samford UniversitySystem-Wide Case StudyChapter 15Exploring How North Carolina Community College Libraries Are Using LibGuidesSuvanida Duangudom, MLS, Wake Technical Community CollegeMelanie Gnau, MSLS, Wake Technical Community College