Check for Existing Guides:

• See if there's already a guide on the topic. If not, consider collaborating with other librarians to avoid duplicating efforts.

Collaborate to Reduce Duplication:

• Unless you're approaching the topic differently, it's best to avoid multiple guides on the same subject. Reach out and collaborate with fellow librarians to reduce duplication.

Think Beyond LibGuides:

• Assess if your information is best suited for a LibGuide. Consider alternatives like creating an FAQ in Ask a Librarian, utilizing an Open Scholar site, incorporating content into a Confluence page, or adding it to your library's website for maximum accessibility

Organize by Importance:

• Arrange resources based on their importance rather than alphabetically. Students tend to use the resources listed first.

Keep it Short and Sweet:

• Limit lists to 5 items or less. Users prefer a concise, carefully chosen list of resources.

Follow WVU Libraries Language:

• Use the same language as WVU Libraries for a consistent user experience.

Choose Clear Terms:

• Use "Database" instead of "e-resources" or "indexes."
• Use "Journal" or "Magazine" instead of "Serial" or "Periodical."

Be Action-Oriented:

• Use active voice and action verbs. For example, say "Find" instead of using jargon language.

Regular Updates:

• Keep your guide current by reviewing and updating it regularly. Ensure it still aligns with its intended purpose.

Last Updated Date:

• Avoid user confusion by updating the "Last Updated" date every six months. An outdated date may suggest the guide is not actively maintained.

Link Checking:

• Regularly check links, using Springshare's Link Checker for specific types. For links in Rich Text boxes, manually check or use free services like W3C Link Checker or Check My Links for Chrome.

Utilize Statistics:

• Leverage LibGuides statistics to identify popular and underused pages. Prioritize updates for frequently visited pages and consider merging or retiring low-use guides.

Retiring Your Guide:

• Evaluate whether your guide has reached the end of its life cycle by considering decreasing views, discontinued courses, changing disciplines, or personal time constraints. Deleting a guide is an option, but first, consider unpublishing or making it private to retain the option for recovery.

Decision Criteria:

• Reflect on factors like declining views, course discontinuation, changing discipline focus, or personal time constraints. If any apply, reassess the guide's relevance and decide if it should stay published or undergo a status change.

Guide Status Options:

• Decide whether to unpublish, make private, or delete your guide. Exercise caution when choosing deletion, as it's irreversible. Consider changing the guide's status to Unpublished or Private before opting for deletion.

Managing Guide Status:

• Easily change a guide's status to Unpublished or Private within the guide itself. To delete a guide, navigate to Content, then Guides, find your guide in the list, and click on the X to delete.