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LibGuide Author Style Guide

Preferred practices for LibGuide authors

Writing for the Web

Start with your key message

Identify your key message, and put it first.

People tend to scan web pages rather than read them closely, so consider putting your main point in the first paragraph, or better yet, in the heading. This is known at the "inverted pyramid style" used regularly by journalists and technical writers.

An inverted pyramid style (figure 1) requires a major shift in thinking and writing. Many of us were taught to write in a narrative style, developing an essay in a logical order that concludes with a main point. However, most Web users want the conclusion first. 

wide area at top labeled "Info users need" narrowing to "additional info that is helpful not critical" and coming to a point at "Nice if users have it"


Figure 1. Inverted pyramid style

Use clear, natural language whenever possible. For more details, read-

Using Headings

Using HTML headings for accessibility

Headings indicate organization. Headings (h1, h2, h3, h4, etc.) are vital not just for visual effect, but because they determine how screen reader users can navigate web pages. Sighted users can use the visual cue of a heading but it is essential navigation for low vision or blind users relying on technology., Headings must be coded correctly and not just be text that is larger and bolder.
 

Using LibGuide headings effectively

In LibGuides, the link in our banner is an <h1> heading; Bbox headings are <h2> headings.  
For content Inside boxes, use <h3> & then <h4> headings to organize content. Headings may be applied using the Format pull-down in the "Rich Text/HTML" editor (see Figure 1 below)
 

Figure 1: Use the headings options under the Format drop-down menu

Figure 1: Use the headings options under the Format drop-down menu.