This is the final section of the 7 part LibGuide marathon. I will talk about the profile of the LibGuide author. I will not spend very much time on this aspect of designing a LibGuide because Springshare has created an excellent how-to video, but I will briefly discuss why having a good profile is important.
Here is my profile.
To have a good profile I recommend providing as many as possible access points to yourself . I inserted a Meebo widget for instant messaging. I did not add a Yahoo, AIM, Google, MSN contact information because I rarely if ever on them, and also because of the transitory nature of my time at Northeastern. It is also possible to add a link to your website or blog. I was not writing a blog that would be beneficial my patrons so I did not add that as well, but if this was a full time position I would have done so.
I was hesitant about adding a photo of myself for no particular reason but to maintain an idea of privacy. However, after receiving encouragement from Michael Stephens, I decided to do so. I have not regretted it. Students have mentioned that they recognize me from a LibGuide (I admit this has only happened a few times but I imagine it would happen more as time went on). Recognizing and perhaps being more comfortable with me may very well have increased my approachability and in turn reference questions.
What would I like to see added to the profile? I would like to see a particular place to add a link to a Facebook page, a MySpace page, an invite to a Ning group, and other social networking sites.
