Best Practices and Accessibility

LibGuides refers only to the web-based software package by SpringShare. The general term "guides" is a category that includes "research guides," "course guides," and "faculty guides." The rest of the site is composed simply of web pages.

• Don't confuse LibGuides (the package) with the pages created with that package.
• Use "guides" not "LibGuides" when communicating with library patrons.

Think of LibGuides as being akin to Microsoft Word. You would never refer to a document created in MS Word this way: "Just read that MS Word I sent you.")

Use the term "pages" rather than "tabs" for pages within a guide.

• St. Louis Community College or STLCC
  • Bad: "STLCC Libraries xxx Program"
  • Good: "xxx Program"
• ​​​​​​​"We" instead of "the STLCC Libraries". Personal pronouns are more scannable and reduce text size. Users will know "we" refers to the Libraries. Be specific about library locations. Check with other campus locations; they may not offer the same services and resources.
  • Bad: "The STLCC Libraries provide patrons with access to iPads and laptops."
  • Good: "We have iPads and laptops for you to check out." 
  • Bad : "Guest printing is available in most libraries."
  • Good: "Guest printing is available in the Florissant Valley, Forest Park, and Meramec campus libraries."
• InterLibrary Loan not ILL
• digital or electronic or online :  Students expect most resources to be available on the web.
  • Bad: "Online help is available through our chat reference service." "Check the libraries' ArcherSearch search tool." 
  • Good: "Visit our chat reference service for help." "Check ArcherSearch." 
• websites not web sites

• Use the ampersand ("&") only in guide, page or box titles.

Guide titles should briefly and clearly identify the guide content and purpose. Page titles, box titles, and headers in the text are all used for navigation, so each one should have a unique name.

• Short:  Page titles need to fit on navigation tabs. Use the ampersand (&) to save space. 
• Jargon: avoid library jargon in naming pages..
• Clear and Specific: “Encyclopedias” or "Overviews" are more meaningful to students than “Reference Tools”. Avoid vague terms like "other" or "additional resources". Page titles should clearly reflect the content in that page.
• Capitalization: use title case for titles and headers

• Home page: use “Getting Started" or "Overview" rather than the less meaningful "Home Page" or "Welcome. "Start Here" is another good title if your guide walks a user through a process. The most important or most useful content should be on the first page. Also consider using "Best Bets" or "Quick Links" as a prominent box.