3.4: Content and Activities (21 - 30)

Standard 21: Each tab of the guide introduces the viewer to the purpose of the tabbed page.

Because students find library guides through a Google search, and may not always start on the landing page, peer reviewers should check that the library guide author writes 2-3 sentences at the top of each page of the guide summarizing what is presented on the page and why it may matter to the student. This information will contextualize the page for the student--especially if they failed to land on the Start Here page.

Standard 22: Unnecessary resources are not included. Information and resources on the guide are reflective of the guide's learning objectives.

Peer reviewers can differentiate between unnecessary and necessary resources by reviewing the library guide's learning objectives. If a resource is presented on the guide that does not align with a learning objective, it should be flagged as unnecessary. An additional example of an unnecessary resource is an outdated one. If the institution deems an assessment tool as outdated, they should not reference the assessment tool on the guide.

Standard 23: Text content is available in an easily accessible format, preferably HTML. Alt text content is readable by assistive technology, including PDF or any text contained in an image.

Check for accessible content by using an accessibility tool such as WebAIM or by requesting editorial access to a copy of the guide from the peer review coordinator. Otherwise they may choose to open their select browser with their browser's applicable command to view HTML coding.

Standard 24: A text equivalent for every non-text element is provided (alt text tags, captions, transcripts, etc.), and audio description is provided for video-only content.

Check for Alt text by using an accessibility tool such as WebAIM or by requesting editorial access to a copy of the guide from the peer review coordinator. Otherwise they may choose to open their select browser to view HTML coding. Additionally the peer reviewer will make sure that videos are captioned. Audio should include a transcription.

Standard 25: Text, graphics, and images are understandable when viewed without color. Text should be used as a primary method for delivering information.

Check that text color does NOT represent an important directional or concept. For example, red text should not convey for a learner to stop nor green text to proceed. Convey directional and/or important information through verbiage and not color.

Standard 26: Hyperlink text is descriptive and makes sense when out of context (avoid using "click here").

When hyperlinking to text be descriptive. Do not say "click here" and hyperlink the phrase. Instead state: Select the "What is a Library Guide?” (and hyperlink the description of the text or the name of the resource).

Standard 27: The guide will indicate appropriate Creative Commons attribution and licensing.

Check for Creative Commons licensing for the guide. Check the bottom of the landing page or the bottom of the last tabbed page for the license. Additionally, if the author borrowed content from elsewhere, check to see that the author assigned the borrowed content with the appropriate Creative Commons license.

Standard 28: Guide explains alternatives for accessing library resources. For example, if a guide links to a database list, steps should be provided for how students can access the list through the library homepage.

Look for instructions for how to access library resources outside the guide. For example, if the library author highlights a subject database list, they should include step-by-step instructions in how to access the list from the library homepage. Another example: If a library author provides a list of peer-reviewed literature on a topic, the guide author should provide step-by-step information on how to replicate the search from the library homepage. A third example: If the library author highlights a list of e-books, then they should provide step-by-step instructions for finding e-books in their discovery tool or a database with instructions walking the student through the process, starting from the library homepage.

Standard 29: Learning objects (borrowed images, videos, graphics, rubrics, linked OER materials, etc.) are referenced using a standard citation style.

Check that all videos, online games, images, embedded LibGuides, OER resources, etc., are referenced. Typically, the reference will be located directly under the source needing a reference. For example, if the library guide author embeds a YouTube video or a library game, the item should be referenced following a citation manual of style rules (i.e., APA, MLA, Turabian, etc.).

Standard 30: Guide includes a Get Help page which provides detailed information about library services and connecting with librarians and staff.

Look for Get Help information on the guide. It may be part of a tabbed page or it may be its own tabbed page. Get Help information will include instructions for how to reach librarians and/or library staff members through the modalities that the library serves their population. For example, Get Help information may include one or more of the following: finding chat and how to use chat, how to book a research consultation with a librarian, how to text/email/phone the library, or how to reach library administration and their library liaisons.

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