LibGuides offer us an easy way to create new subject guides that tell our users how to accomplish specific research tasks.

They are not meant to be laundry lists of resources. Instead, our guides are meant to explain to users how to solve common information needs.

Try to avoid making long lists in boxes, such as:

• lists of key journals
• lists of books
• lists of websites
• lists of databases

A LibGuide is meant to be a starting point for research, not a be-all and end-all guide.

• Label as "Getting Started" or something suggesting this page is starting point.
• Highlight a box with an overview of what is found on the guide with content such as:
  • a table of contents that links to "pages" of the guide
  • 1-2 sentences that simply describe how the guide will help with research

LibGuides should be designed as a work environment for student research.

Include boxes where students can

• quickly get advice how to accomplish specific, common tasks
• search OneSearch
• sign up for a research consultations
• start a chat session with a librarian

Right column boxes should be limited to the profile box, which should be on every page of any guide (not just on the "getting started" page.