LibGuide Standards: Loose Regulations and Lax Enforcement

Q2 Social Sciences

Reference Librarian Pub Date : 2021-01-02 DOI:10.1080/02763877.2020.1862022

Darcy Del Bosque, S. E. Morris

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引用次数: 8

Abstract

ABSTRACT Springshare’s LibGuides product has become the preferred method for librarians to create online subject guides. In the spring of 2019 LibGuide authors and administrators at Greater Western Library Alliance (GWLA) member libraries were surveyed to learn more about how libraries use this ubiquitous library tool. The two surveys focused on procedures and standards related to the creation, revision, and appearance of LibGuides, and librarians’ general thoughts and perceptions about guides. Most authors surveyed felt that the creation of guides is useful, but many raised valid reservations. Results of the survey reinforce prior studies’ findings that guides are often created and then forgotten. Even at institutions with established standards and criteria for LibGuides, there is pushback on their enforcement. Lack of time is cited by both groups as a reason and justification for this behavior, as are problems keeping links and content current, and problems learning the technology. In addition to better enforcement of established rules and best practices, this study revealed a need for usability testing for guides and more training for guide authors.

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LibGuide标准：宽松的监管和宽松的执行

摘要Springshare的LibGuides产品已成为图书馆员创建在线主题指南的首选方法。2019年春季，大西部图书馆联盟（GWLA）成员图书馆的LibGuide作者和管理员接受了调查，以了解更多关于图书馆如何使用这种无处不在的图书馆工具的信息。这两项调查的重点是与LibGuides的创建、修订和出现相关的程序和标准，以及图书馆员对指南的总体想法和看法。大多数接受调查的作者认为，编写指南是有用的，但许多作者提出了有效的保留意见。调查结果强化了先前研究的发现，即指南经常被创建，然后被遗忘。即使在对LibGuides有既定标准和标准的机构，其执行也会受到抵制。两组人都认为缺乏时间是这种行为的原因和理由，保持链接和内容最新的问题以及学习技术的问题也是如此。除了更好地执行既定规则和最佳实践外，这项研究还表明，需要对指南进行可用性测试，并对指南作者进行更多培训。

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来源期刊

Reference Librarian Social Sciences-Library and Information Sciences

CiteScore

2.10

自引率

0.00%

发文量

期刊介绍： The Reference Librarian aims to be a standard resource for everyone interested in the practice of reference work, from library and information science students to practicing reference librarians and full-time researchers. It enables readers to keep up with the changing face of reference, presenting new ideas for consideration. The Reference Librarian publishes articles about all aspects of the reference process, some research-based and some applied. Current trends and traditional questions are equally welcome. Many articles concern new electronic tools and resources, best practices in instruction and reference service, analysis of marketing of services, and effectiveness studies.