LibGuides by Design: Using Instructional Design Principles and User-Centered Studies to Develop Best Practices

Abstract

LibGuides are an essential resource in academic libraries. Although librarians use LibGuides primarily as instructional tools there is little discussion about the application of pedagogical and learner-centered design principles to the design of LibGuides. Current research focuses almost exclusively on issues of usability, resulting in best practices that are user-centered but not necessarily learner-centered. This paper fills the gap in the literature by integrating the findings from user studies with instructional design principles to propose best practices for LibGuides that are both user- and learner-centered. The ADDIE model of instructional design is used as a procedural framework for implementing these best practices.