Best Practices for Subject/Course/General LibGuides at USF

Guide Description

• Don't feel obligated to use this field.
• ​If you choose to use it, please make sure the description isn't redundant with the guide's title.

Design

• A 2 column design (left 209, Center 758, Right 0) is recommended.
• If you wish to use 3 column design, do so with care and caution, as users tend to focus on the top and left side of the screen

Navigation

• LibGuides may vary in look and feel. Please prioritize the following standard settings under "Guide Navigation Layout" options:
  • Sidebar Navigation: System Default - Side-Nav Layout
    • This will provide for standard column sizing and tab arrangement, as seen on this guide
  • Tabs Layout Style: System Default: Tab Layout
    • This is the best choice and there should not be other options based on the Side-Nav Layout recommended above
• If your guide contains sub-pages, you do have the option to show sub-pages. They will show up better in side-navigation than in standard tab layout. There is discretion here, though, if you prefer them to be nested until you choose a tab with sub-pages.
• Consider using less than 10 tabs per guide.
• Tab titles should be short, normally one line across.

Do not make copies of guides as a shortcut to guide creation, as copying will create duplicate assets in the assets database (see Links and Assets). Choose to map the guide, page, or asset from it's originally location to ensure easy updates. If you need to make an exception, please let one of the LibGuide administrators know.