Don’t You Feel Special?!: Utilizing LibGuides for Archives, Special Collections, and other Non-Academic Libraries

Description

When the Minnesota Historical Society started using LibGuides, we looked around for examples of other special collections or archives that were using this tool. We did not find many and, in general, this has not changed. In our presentation we will discuss how we have customized LibGuides for use in a special library, adapting the system so we can introduce researchers to our unique collections, and allowing us to highlight specific topics and collections, integrate other internally created discovery and learning tools, and increase our Library’s visibility within our institution. Because our guides are designed to be used both by our patrons and staff, they are an invaluable tool on the reference desk and for helping our distance researchers. We will discuss how different styles of guides can quickly and easily point researchers to the resources we have, or take them through a complex research process from start to finish. We will also detail our Progress-to-Publication workflow, a system that can be easily adapted by any library to ensure excellent content; present a unified look, feel, and tone; and delegate responsibilities to make the most of staff members’ time and abilities. Lastly, we will discuss technical aspects of working with LibGuides and LibGuides 2 without dedicated IT support: integrating guides into a larger web-presence, customizing look and feel, and using the wider LibGuides community for assistance. Through our unique uses of LibGuides, we market and create interest in our special collections to a wider audience, highlight our research services, help our internal departments and staff, tie into wider institutional goals, and assist distance users, including students. Other libraries can, too!

Start Date

18-3-2015 10:30 AM

End Date

18-3-2015 11:30 AM

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Mar 18th, 10:30 AM Mar 18th, 11:30 AM

Don’t You Feel Special?!: Utilizing LibGuides for Archives, Special Collections, and other Non-Academic Libraries

When the Minnesota Historical Society started using LibGuides, we looked around for examples of other special collections or archives that were using this tool. We did not find many and, in general, this has not changed. In our presentation we will discuss how we have customized LibGuides for use in a special library, adapting the system so we can introduce researchers to our unique collections, and allowing us to highlight specific topics and collections, integrate other internally created discovery and learning tools, and increase our Library’s visibility within our institution. Because our guides are designed to be used both by our patrons and staff, they are an invaluable tool on the reference desk and for helping our distance researchers. We will discuss how different styles of guides can quickly and easily point researchers to the resources we have, or take them through a complex research process from start to finish. We will also detail our Progress-to-Publication workflow, a system that can be easily adapted by any library to ensure excellent content; present a unified look, feel, and tone; and delegate responsibilities to make the most of staff members’ time and abilities. Lastly, we will discuss technical aspects of working with LibGuides and LibGuides 2 without dedicated IT support: integrating guides into a larger web-presence, customizing look and feel, and using the wider LibGuides community for assistance. Through our unique uses of LibGuides, we market and create interest in our special collections to a wider audience, highlight our research services, help our internal departments and staff, tie into wider institutional goals, and assist distance users, including students. Other libraries can, too!