Guidelines and Standards for Research Guides

The purpose of creating and posting a banner image on the 'What's New' Banner/Carousel is for programming and promotional use, new library resources/services, LibGuides with topic interest across disciplines, and NOVA Libraries events and college collaborations.

Banners require permission from LWC or your campus LWC representative.  Follow this process:

1. Concept Approval: Begin by reaching out to your campus LWC representative.  Those without a campus affiliation may reach out to the LWC chair.  Let them know the purpose and timing (posting and removal dates) of your planned banner.  They will indicate whether you may proceed to create a draft, or they may elevate the discussion to LWC.  Banner content and scope should be appropriate to the Libraries' mission.
2. Draft Approval: When the banner image draft is complete, share the image with your LWC campus representative.  The LWC campus representative will attempt draft approval via email, but some guides may require synchronous discussion.  If a draft cannot be approved as submitted, LWC will meet with the banner creator.  LWC and the banner creator will work collaboratively to reach consensus on what changes, if any, are necessary to allow draft approval.  Rather than making a yes/no decision, the goal of this process will be helping the banner creator identify changes that may lead to final approval.  If consensus cannot be reached or at LWC's discretion, they may invite the Dean of Libraries and LC Chair as guests to further discussions.  The Dean's and Chair's role will be to provide their perspectives and identify any relevant policies related to the content.  Discussions conclude when the banner creator and each LWC member have agreed to a list of changes.  After the banner creator has completed agreed-upon changes, LWC will take a final vote to approve the draft.  LWC's final decision will be sent via email to the banner creator. LWC should provide as much documentation as possible if a banner generates extensive discussion.

3. Publishing:  After final LWC approval, the LWC campus representative may post the banner. The banner creator should also send a reminder to the LWC representative to remove the banner on the agreed date.

Style:

• Banner sizing should be 770 X 250 (width and height)
• Recommended file type: .png or .jpg

• Colorful, readable banners are best. Review the Design & Pedagogical Best Practices for more information.

Content:

• Banner content should meet library programing and promotional uses. Include descriptive text that includes event details, or book or database descriptions. 
• Include the Link URL
• Include Image Alt Text
• Do not enter information in the Slide Title. This will create a link below the banner that is not necessary.
• Do not enter information in the Slide Details. This information should already be included in the banner image.

All banners should follow the maintenance standards and guidelines:

Before and After Each Semester:

• Review all banners to ensure content is up-to-date and relevant.
• Banners should not be posted indefinitely.
• Remove outdated banners.
• Post any new or updated banners.