There are many content elements required to build a complete guide, from describing guide content, to adding subjects and tags, to writing effectively for the web environment. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when building guide content.
Guide Descriptions
Describe your guide to the audience
Descriptions are encouraged to clarify focus of the guide
Descriptions should be brief and focused, no more than 1-2 sentences
A general example of a description would be……“This guide will help you find resources about xxxx”
Getting Started
Some tips for getting started with content development
Combine guides when 2 or more librarians teach the same class
Use an existing guide as a template
Use notepad or other text editor to strip background code from word and other documents, when copying and pasting content from outside sources
Consider including resources for learners at both entry and advanced levels
Consider providing links to key organizations, professional websites, and journals
Offer new resources or examples in the subject area, or more in-depth resources
Offer in-depth instructions for using a database that is new or complex
Provide resources for writing and citing information, for example link to the OWL at Purdue or other writing site
Note what sub-disciplines the database covers, types of materials found in that database
Focus Your Guide
Giving your guide a solid context helps keep learners engaged and on track
Guides should serve as a research starting point
Class guides should follow learning outcomes and assignments when possible
Guide should provide context for your audience
Students, distance learners, and public users may have different needs, requirements, and experience
Try not to overwhelm users with too much information
Writing Tips
Getting it down in print
Writing should be clear, concise and appropriate for subject and audience
Make your point in as few words as possible
Make it easy for readers to pick out key points
Use simple words and sentence structures
Try to write one idea per paragraph
Don't explain anything that's readily apparent to the user
Avoid exclamation marks, cute phrases, jargon, and puns
Use the spellcheck in the text editor Toggle it on and off with the icon
