“libguides @ wits : infolit through web 2.0 technology” xoliswa xanko1 commerce library...
TRANSCRIPT
1
GAELIC SUMMER TRAINING CAMP15 NOVEMBER 2010
“LIBGUIDES @ WITS : INFOLIT THROUGH WEB 2.0 TECHNOLOGY”
Xoliswa Xanko
Xoliswa XankoCommerce LibraryUniversity of the Witwatersrand
OVERVIEW
Subject portals BackgroundMotivationElements of the subject portalLibguides Development at WitsReasons we changedElements of Wits LibguidesAdvantages and DisadvantagesExperiences, lessons learnt, & challengesConclusion
DefinitionsSubject Portal LibGuide
“An online gateway that helps users to quickly & efficiently find reliable scholarly subject based
information in one place”Source:
Http://www.polytechnic.edu.na/libray/search/alldept.php
“a content management tool allowing librarians to organise and present library collections and services to users in a customisable fashion using Web 2.0 applications”
Source:
Libguides reviewed by Ellie Bushhousen, J Med Libr Assoc. Jan 2009
Motivation
• Information overflow• Tight deadlines• Limited knowledge and awareness• Unstructured and ineffective searches• Increase in library web pages• Relevance of portals• Value add: Information literacy
Elements of the Subject Portal
• Assignments Reference Sources Indexes / Databases Locating Subject Journals Web Resources Writing and presenting your work Library Resources
Elements (cont…)
• Need Information? / Ask a Librarian Course Reserves Company Information Newspapers Current Awareness Statistics Other Libraries Guides and Tutorials
Subject Portals: Old Model
From Subject Portals To Libguides
• Reasons why we wanted changeAuthor access to guidesAll changes through WebmasterNeed of timely updatesLittle opportunity to innovateSingle scrolling page vs TabsUsage statistics
Libguides
• Product from Springshare• 2009: Discussions to consider Libguides• March 2010: Trial access &
experimentation• April 2010: Funding finalised• May 2010: Subscription• June 2010: Training sessions for Librarians• July 2010: Libguides Team established
Development of Wits Libguides
• Libguides TeamDecision: Migrate elements and content of old Subject PortalsDevelop a Wits Library Libguides
Template for guidanceBalance standardisation and creativityDevelop checklist for Quality Control
Checklist for Quality Control
• Consistency tab names and order• Adjustments for disciplines• Colour & fonts• Use of Link boxes• Details of Librarian profile boxes
Elements of Wits Libguides
• Home• Library Services• Reference Sources• Electronic Resources • Need Help• Useful web links• Basic steps in the Research Process
Libguides
Libguides
Xoliswa Xanko 15
LIBGUIDES
ADVANTAGES
• Tailor-made guides• Flexibility• No coding knowledge• Auto generated content• Easy to navigate• Ease of including dynamic
content and multimedia• Increased usage of electronic
resources
• Attachments• Comprehensive usage
statistics• Feedback Box• Create back-up files• Multiple authors• Subject knowledge• Libguides Team
LibGuides
Disadvantages
• Initial setup – time consuming• Intense & repeated training• Manual migration from old Portals to
Libguides• Not free
Libguides
• Experiences & Lessons Learnt
Team approach is betterBenchmarkingValue-addNew skills and competencies Input & feedbackSharing templates Used as course guides, readers advisory, etc
CHALLENGES
• Target key academics• Positive relationship• Demos to Schools• Cross linking School websites and Libguides• Possibility for Classroom & Libguides integration • Regular updates• Student Training• Presentations
- Senate Library Committee, 2011
CONCLUSION
• Libguides are an effective, efficient, user friendly web 2.0 technology - a gateway to vast information resources
• What Libguides have done for Wits Personal gratificationSubject knowledgeIncreased usage of electronic resourcesInformation literate user
Thank you.
Questions?