Poster Board Number: 1
Title: Spiffin’ Up Information Services: Using LibGuides to Empower Users
Objective: To share the experience of an academic health sciences library that employed LibGuides (tagline: “The easiest way to publish research information in a Web 2.0 world”) to revitalize library pathfinders, tutorials, and liaison web pages with interactive content, including embedded library chat boxes, video demonstrations and search box widgets.
Methods: With the planned redesign of the library’s website, librarians opted to revamp existing pathfinders, liaison pages, frequently asked questions, and video tutorials using LibGuides. Using the many box templates and collaborative features included with this content management system, five librarians went from purchasing the software to publishing the first guides in just seven weeks. The implementation process included designing the site, choosing what subject matter to convert and how to present it, developing standards, collaborating on content, creating custom templates for reuse, getting feedback from end users, and linking the guides at point of need. In 2010, thirty-four guides were created and librarians continue to collaborate on new ones.
Results: There were 15,794 “guide hits” for 26 guides available during fall semester. Monthly statistics for 7 representative guides were compiled that showed monthly variations in usage, but no clear trends. User feedback forms were rarely used, so an annual assessment is planned.
Conclusions: LibGuides have offered a novel approach to complement library instruction sessions, to replace static information pathfinders, to promote liaison services, and to provide point-of-need, visual instruction in both chat and email reference encounters. University faculty members continue to request new guides for both individual and recurring class assignments as well as specific academic departments and programs.
Authors: Lee A. Vucovich, AHIP, Assistant Director, Reference Services; Patricia C. Higginbottom, AHIP, Associate Director, Public Services; Susan C. Smith, Reference Librarian; Emma O'Hagan, Reference Librarian; Nicole Mitchell, AHIP, Reference Librarian; Lister Hill Library of the Health Sciences; University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL
