Using LibGuides to Create a Paperless Classroom: Personalize

• Use the default HOME page to personalize your guide. 

• Essential: At the very least, your home page should include your email and office/desk extension. If you use LibCal to schedule one-on-one research appointments, you should include a widget or link to your calendar.  

• Profile Box: Make sure your profile box is available on each class page. This will remind students that there's a real-live human being to help them when they get stuck on their research project. If it is in keeping with your library's LibGuides policy, opt for a clear and professional headshot. 

• Main Column Content: The main column (the largest column) is the centerpiece of your homepage. Consider personalizing this portion of your guide by displaying a favorite photo (example) or an avatar (example).

• Sidebar Content: The sidebar is the perfect place to add your favorite social media feed, database, and/or book. 

An avatar can be a fun and humorous way to introduce yourself to students. Voki and Blabberize are two great tools for creating animated avatars. 

If avatars aren't your thing, try personalizing your guide with a quick video greeting. As long as you have an Internet-ready device with a webcam and microphone, the following two tools will allow you to capture a brief introductory video. 

LibGuides provides built-in features for professionally personalizing your pages.  

• DATABASE: Use this feature to link students to some of your favorite databases. Be sure to tell students what it is you like about these databases and how they are useful to you. 
• LINK:  Published something recently? Share the permalink to your most recent article(s), books, and/or professional blog posts.  
• BOOK FROM THE CATALOG: Use this feature to share with students what you have recently read, what you are currently reading, and/or what you have added to your to-read list. 
• MEDIA/WIDGET: Embed a feed from your favorite professional social media channels.
• RSS FEED: Embed a feed from your favorite professional blogs or create a database feed to introduce students to the latest news in your area of research. 
• GUIDE LIST: Show off all the hard work you've put into other guides! 

Chances are, there's a photograph you've captured that says a lot about who you are. Feel free to use personal photos of landscapes and scenes to inject a bit of your personality into your instruction guide. If you don't have any photos, try Pixabay. All images and videos are in the public domain.