Why don't more public libraries use LibGuides? I don't get it. They aren't expensive. You can make as many of them as you want. (You could base your entire library website on them.) They're really easy to create.
I can understand that small libraries with no budget might find them cost prohibitive, but if you have just a tiny bit of money to spend and you need to show a return on your reference/database/popular title/CD/audiobook, etc investment, it seems to me that you NEED LibGuides. They are a quick and easy way to promote your resources and collections -- and patrons use them! Our Great Reads for Teens guide averages over 700 hits a month and it gets no promotion. Sights & Sounds (CDs, DVDs, music etc) averages over 500 hits/month. We do a little promo via our blog, but generally our patrons manage to find the guides that they need and they seem to keep coming back to them.
LibGuides can take a couple of hours to put together. (Big Whoop!) But once you get one made you can update it in no time. Plus, you can reuse content by copying or linking -- so you don't have to recreate the wheel every time you need the wheel. Graphics are easy to add; YouTube videos are easy to embed. There are cool features like mouseover bubbles that make your library look like it's a tech savvy place. Each guide has a separate URL, so you can promote an individual guide easily. What's not to love?
If you're unfamiliar with LibGuides, check out our guides: EBRPL Research Guides
If you want more info visit their social networking site: The Springshare Lounge
LibGuides are worth looking into. Check them out.
Addendum: this librarian said it better than I did...
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