Developing Guides

The major focus is on relevancy; identifying and listing the most relevant information first.  In
this way, you are ranking the information for the consumer.  Less can be best, if it is relevant.  Brief annotations will assist the user to select the more relevant items.  Relevant may be
relative depending on the subject or discipline or department.  Consider whether to list subject
specific or general information first.  Likewise, consider the order of importance for listing regional, state, national, or international information.  Web consumers tend to scan upper portions of pages and documents. Providing easy access by having a linked horizontal table
of contents at the top of the page under the page title is important for longer pages.  Consistency for new and returning Web consumers is key.  If our pages use consistent
labeled categories our users will locate the information quickly and easily.  Visual and editorial consistency across similar Web pages can be achieved by use of these templates.  Many subjects or disciplines lend themselves to creative expression.  Use your creativity to add
font styles or graphics to enhance your page.  Remember that copyright information cannot be used without permission.  Also, remember blinking animations or other distracting elements
do not add value.

Subject Guides:  Web

Each Subject Guide would include content on the following categories:  Books, Periodicals, Websites, and Interactivity.

I. Books

• Suggested subject headings – use table
• How to access the online catalog
• Relevant reference books

II. Periodicals

• Suggested Indexes – full-text and access information
• How to access the periodical indexes
• Database guide
• Relevant SAC owned periodicals
• Relevant online journals, magazines, and newspapers

III. Websites

• Subject specific websites
• General or ready reference websites
• Cross-reference related academic department website or course page
• Cross-reference related subject guides

IV. Miscellaneous - Optional

• Citing documents and websites
• Searching tools and tips
• Special information for this discipline

V. Interactivity

• Content provider’s name, email address or Web-based form, and date last modified
• Provide a feature, such as a quizlet, What’s new or popular site of the month, etc.
• Provide place for users to suggest additional links

Pathfinders

These Guides do not lend themselves to being organized by predetermined categories.  There will be specialized subtopics for each Guide.

I. Subtopic listing – in table with links to content within the document and back to the top of
   the document

II. Interactivity

• Content provider’s name, email address or Web-based form, and date last modified
• Provide place for users to suggest additional links

Consult the Library Web Standards and Guidelines document for additional requirements and recommendations.

Page URL: http://www.sac.edu/students/library/nealley/usability/template.htm