Why Good LibGuide Design Matters & How You Can Get It Right
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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 of Why Good LibGuide Design Matters & How You Can Get It Right
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/
