Best Practices for Subject/Course/General LibGuides at USF
Links and Assets
Always search the asset database before creating a new asset! (See Creating and Reusing Links for instructions)
Links to resources should be added as link assets.
Give each link a description. Shorter descriptions are generally better and in keeping with the goal of less text-heavy guides
Always have the description display beneath item title. Never have it hidden behind a pop up button as this isn't accessible.
Reuse link assets as often as possible. This makes it easier to batch update.
Always link to the specific page that will be needed by the user; refrain from linking to the main page of a large and potentially confusing website.
Do not use linked text in rich text boxes. If you add links in rich-text boxes, the asset manager cannot read and manage the links. Instead, use links to link to resources in your guides
Links should be descriptive. Do not name a link “Click here”
Reusing Content
When identical material is called for in multiple guides at the box or page level, consider re-using entire boxes or pages.
Also consider reusing content and links from your colleagues' guides. Look for timely, properly formatted and accessible content to reuse
Link Arrangment and Descriptions
Avoid describing the database asset using the default scope note from the vendor. Often this type of text is wordy and full of jargon. Aim for clear language with just a few sentences so the reader can scan the description quickly.
Consider how the database description will read when reused on other guides. Subject specific acronyms and abbreviations may confuse readers who are unfamiliar with the subject.
Sort Lists of Resources. Students tend to use the first resources listed, it is generally preferable to list them in order of importance rather than alphabetically.
Think about other ways to arrange the sources. For example: in order by importance or value, as you see it; from broad to narrow in subject scope; by date coverage; etc.
It is also desirable to keep lists of resources short – maybe to the top five key resources featured prominently. One may also consider breaking long lists of resources into different boxes based on similar content type.
Usability tests show that students are confused by excessive content. So, tabs, text, lists, number of pages and boxes should be kept to a minimum.
There's no magic number, but if you have more than 7 or 8 resources in a single content box you should think about how it can divided into more than one box.
Strive for usability, not comprehensiveness.
Minimize Print Resource Lists. The best resource may be print. However, long lists of resources inaccessible via the web will frustrate or confuse most users.
Avoid Feedback Tools. For the most part student comments, ratings, recommendations should be avoided. Students are seeking advice from experts not from other students