The ways in which you present information on a LibGuide is extremely important. It is possible to reorganise the location of individual boxes so that the information is presented in the best way. Where required, it is also possible to edit the layout of a LibGuides page. Both of these options are in the drop-down menus underneath the tabs of your LibGuide.
Under 'Page', you can select to reorder pages, boxes or content items. You simply drag the different boxes into the different columns in use - but bear in mind that this might affect the way that information displays.
Usability research demonstrates that people tend to read websites in an L shape, which means that whatever is on the top left hand side of any website will have most impact. You should also try to ensure that the columns are used roughly equally as it will improve the look-and-feel of the LibGuide.
On some occasions, it may be beneficial to adapt the layout of your LibGuide. To ensure some consistency with your LibGuide it might be beneficial to make each page the same layout. The Cambridge style is usually either three columns of 25 / 50 / 25 or two columns of 50 / 50 so use alternatives to this only when it is absolutely necessary. Whatever layout you choose you will have a top and bottom box (like this one) where you can enter introductory or closing information.
Adding informationLibGuides provides several options for the presentation of information. These can be seen by clicking the Add / Reorder menu. It is likely that you will most frequently be using Rich Text/HTML - this is free text, and permits links and images to be added easily.
Other useful options here include:
You can have multiple types of information within a single box e.g. you can select both Rich Text/HTML and Database and have one appear under the other. For ease of editing, you are advised to avoid lengthy text in the Rich Text/HTML option: if your paragraphs are long or complex, it is better to Save & Close the Rich Text Editor, then add another Rich Text/HTML section of content below it.
To edit information, look for the pen icon - clicking this will bring you back to any editor screens you've used.
Including images in your LibGuide can make it into a more engaging and attractive resource. However, you should be careful to format your image in an appropriate way so that it is positioned in the best possible way. Images can only be added in Rich Text/HTML editor by selecting the image icon (it looks like a picture frame).
This brings up an Image Properties dialogue box. To add the image, click Browse Server to go to the Image Manager. If the image is not yet in Image Manager, you will have to upload it there first. Select the image, and then fill out the various lines in the Image Properties box.
The Alternative Text field is important - this is what people using screen readers will have in place of your image. Alt text is not always necessary though. For more information review the Accessibility page of this guide. Add a width and height of the image - the padlock will ensure that the dimensions of the image stay in proportion. If you would like to have a border, enter a number between 1-10 (the higher the number, the thicker the border).
Enter a minimum of 10 in HSpace and VSpace - this positions your image in relation to everything around it. Finally align your image, either left or right, and select OK.