Resources+for+creating+subject+guides

=Introduction= There are various open-source and commercial options for creating subject guides. The ones highlighted below are some of the more commonly used platforms.

=Open-source subject guide software= While an initial investment of time and resources are needed to set up one of these database-driven systems, Vileno (2007) concludes, "...the streamlined process greatly enchance[s] productivity thus cutting down on the cost in the end" (p. 448).

Libdatafrom the University of Minnesota probably provides more than what an elementary or high school library needs, but librarians have the option not to use all of the features: subject guide pages (Research QuickStart), course related pages (CourseLib), and general purpose Web pages (PageScribe). > // I like the clean look and feel of this subject guide as well as the fact that it offers a print-friendly version. //
 * **Example subject guide**: Writing About Literature: A Guide to Research

MyLibraryfrom the University of Notre Dame has evolved into a digital library framework and toolbox. It can import MARC data and OASI accessible data. > // I really like the fact that they've added QuickSearch and Ask a Librarian to their subject guides. I also like the look and feel of their subject guides. //
 * **Example subject guide**: Mathematics

SubjectPlusfrom Ithaca College > // This guide has a fine look and feel to it as well. // > // You can share their subject guides using some of the more popular social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. //
 * **Example subject guide**: Multiple Intelligences

Library Course Builder,from The University of Rochester Libraries requires a Cold fusion server and a Microsoft SQL backend. > // The look and feel of this subject guide is good too. It’s not too overwhelming and also includes the Live Chat feature. //
 * **Example subject guide**: Biology

For more detailed information on each of these open-source options, read this article: Free and Open Source Options for Creating Database-Driven Subject Guides

Commercial Software
Libguides offers an attractive platform for creating subject guides. It's popular. Many elementary and high school libraries are using Libguides to host their subject guides. However, it's not free. Typically, the annual fee is between $900 and $1200. It depends on the population of your school. You can, however, search Libguides for free.


 * Example subject guide**: Lester and Hamilton Spring 2012 Inquiry Research Project

This guide is for high school students. The layout is simple and attractive. However, there is a lot of information. This shows the importance of the teacher-librarian's role in supporting students through the use of subject guides.

The following video was posted on Buffy Hamilton's blog, The Unquiet Librarian. Drew Lawson, a teacher, shares his views on Libguides.

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=Wikis= Wikis are another favourable open-source option for creating subject guides because they are conducive to collaboration, require no knowledge of html, and are free. Of all the open-source options available, MedaWiki comes recommended the most.

MediaWiki is the wiki software used to host Wikipedia. Since students are already familiar with Wikipedia and tend to use Wikipedia often, teacher-librarians may want to seriously consider using the simple and familiar format.


 * Example Subject Guide**: Library Success: A Best Practices Wiki. This wiki is a gem for teacher-librarians. Its simple fomat is appealing.

Other Wiki Options
==
 * Wikispaces for Teachers
 * PB Works For Education
 * Wet Paint

=Course management systems= Ideally, subject guides would be hosted on course management systems. However, many of them are not equipped to do that. The following are some more commonly used course management systems.
 * ANGEL
 * Desire2Learn
 * Moodle
 * Blackboard
 * WebCT

=Social bookmarking sites= Often, teacher-librarians put together "hotlists" using social bookmarking sites. Although hotlists are a good start, subject guides offer users a lot more.
 * del.icio.us
 * Diigo

=References= Vileno, L. (2007). From paper to electronic, the evolution of pathfinders: a review of the literature. //Reference Services Review//, 35(3), 434-451. doi: 10.1108/09007320710774300