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UConn Library's LibGuides Standards and Best Practices — Editorial Guidelines

A guide to help you create and edit your subject, course, topic and general purpose guides

Library-Wide Style and Branding

The UConn Library is part of a larger effort for style and branding and our pages must be in compliance with all UConn style and branding rules. To facilitate this process the LGMT works to:

  • Create a customized template that determines the look and feel of guides (side navigation; background and boxes colors)
  • Create default font types, colors, and size based on the UConn Branding and the UConn Library's Web Style and Content Guide (2016).

To learn more about these policies and guidelines read the documentation below.

Best Practices

  • UConn Library (not UConn Libraries, University Libraries or University of Connecticut Libraries)
  • Primo should be referred to as Library Search or General Search, except at the UConn Health Library where it should be referred to as OneSearch.
  • One space between paragraphs and one space after a period.
  • Headings are used for structure, not emphasis. Do not use h1 or h2 headings in text boxes - start with h3.
  • Do not use ALL CAPS for emphasis.
  • Do not underline words.
  • Do not change the default font colors or type.
  • Use bold or italics sparingly, but do not use both together.
  • Use title case for Pages and boxes titles, e.g. Page Layout & Columns, not, Page layout & columns.
  • Use ordered lists (1, 2, 3…) for items in a sequence, such as steps to complete a task. Otherwise, use unordered lists (bullet points).
  • Become familiar with the UConn Library's Web Style and Content Guide.
  • Write in an inverted pyramid format by putting the most important information first.
  • Link to denser material deeper in the page.
  • Use plain language so users quickly find what they need.
  • Use an active voice rather than passive one. Active voice: "The Homer Babbidge Library provides study spaces." Passive voice: "Study Spaces are provided at the Homer Babbidge Library."
  • Use pronouns. The user is You. The Library is We. E.g. "We provide study spaces." or "We'll help you find the most relevant resources."
  • Avoid jargon (e.g., Primo, ILLiad). For terms or acronyms that may be unfamiliar or unclear (e.g.,  EBSCO, RefWorks, Skybox, ILL, DOI), spell out, define, or otherwise explain the term in full the first time it is used.

If you are comfortable editing HTML, Bootstrap defines a number of functions for you. For information on how to apply these functions in your guide design, read the Bootstrap documentation on their website. Just make sure that you continue to use these guidelines to create your guides.

LibGuides Best Practices Resources

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