LibGuides: Show, Tell, Collaborate

LibGuides allow us to help students get started with assignments by providing background information; research and database tips; as well as search strategies, and recommended resources. Guides can be specific to assignments, courses, programs, even disciplines [that's the beauty of LibGuides' flexibility].

Example 1-- A program assignment page

Assignment and Resource Tips (a page on the COD Library Nursing Resource Guide)

Example 2 -- A discipline guide

Diagnostic Medical Imaging Resource Guide (supports the COD DMIS, DMIN, CT, DMIR, & Mammography degrees/certificates)

Example 3 -- A course guide

Global Health Resources (supports the medical mission field studies course, HLTHS-1800 Global Healthcare Initiatives: Dominican Republic)

Bonus Use!

Step-by-step Instructions (to access resources such as sign-up process or steps to download a database app)

• Example: Micromedex (Drug Resources)
• Example: New York Times Digital Edition

LibGuides can be used as the basis (launchpad) for Library instruction sessions (in person or video conferencing) as well as live workshops.

Make your LibGuides a 24/7 representation of you -- your wisdom, your guidance, and the awesome-sauce resources & services that your Library offers

• COD Library Nursing Resource Guide

  • This guide is designed so that I can utilize it as the starting point for ALL nursing courses and assignments.

  • The repetition of taking students to this page every time they have an assignment increases the likelihood of student use and course/assignment success!

• COD Library Consumer Health Guide

  • The pages of this guide not only contain different types of resources (articles, books, websites) but also independent "workshop" content used in live presentations as well as self-serve usage by individuals

Bonus Use!

Faculty Newsletter (advertise upcoming events, introduce new products, provide instruction)

• Example: Debra's Spring 2023 NHS Faculty Newsletter
  • I present live at semester division meetings and share  QR codes to my newsletters so all info is available to faculty
  • My newsletter guides are marked "private" so only those with the URL (or QR code) can access

• Exhibit Guides

  • Example: Frida Kahlo

• Support Events

  • Example: COD Library Student Research Symposium

• Anatomical Model Databases

  • Example: COD Library's Anatomical Model Database

• Grant Supported Collections and Technology

  • Example: COD Library's English Language Learning: Navigating Dental Care

  • Example: Accessible & Assistive Services: Devices

• OER Guides

  • Example: Pedagogy and Practice: Open Pedagogy

  • Example: EIU Booth Library's Incorporating OER into courses: An Instructors Guide

To increase transparency, and provide a "one-stop-shop" online access to my Library Accreditation Reports (including resource lists as well as a brief video highlighting COD Library and its spaces and services), I add an accreditation page to my program resource guides from the time I create the Library report for the self study (attached on the page linked below as a Word document) until after the accreditation visit. I give the accreditation team a QR code to the program's Library resource guide as well as print copies. It is also a GREAT way to lure the accreditation team to my comprehensive guides!

COD Library's Nursing Resource Guide: Accreditation

Here's how I "frame" the Library video so that the accreditation team can see how committed I am to COD's programs, faculty and students.

The COD Library has something for everyone. Take a look at this short video providing you an overview of just some of our resources and services. In addition to everything that you see in this video, you also have access to specialized assistance from your Nursing & Health Sciences Librarian, Debra Smith. She not only can assist with your research projects, she also makes sure that the Library's print and electronic resources are up-to-date and ready for your use!

• Access 24/7

• Create engaging, visual and print content that can be tailored to specific audiences

• Promote special topics, online book displays, or events

• Create interdisciplinary spaces

  • Women’s Studies

  • Africana Studies: Booth Library's Africana Studies Guides

  • Women in STEM

  • Global Health: COD Library's Global Health Guide

Lee, J., Hayden, K. A., Ganshorn, H., & Pethrick, H. (2021). A Content Analysis of Systematic Review Online Library Guides. Evidence Based Library and Information Practice, 16(1), 60–77. https://doi.org/10.18438/eblip29819

Conclusion – We found that many library guides were heavily informational and lacking in instructional and skills focused content. There is a significant opportunity for librarians to turn their systematic review guides into practical learning tools through the development and assessment of online instructional tools to support student and researcher learning.