By Kirsten on April 30, 2024
Happy LibGuides Day! Today marks the 17th anniversary of the first LibGuides install. In honor of this occasion, we're reflecting on the inaugural LibGuide from 2007 and highlighting a selection of our favorite LibGuides, all crafted by YOU!
A Glimpse into the Past
Temple University was the very first member of the LibGuides community! On our 10th anniversary we caught up with Steven Bell from Temple to reminisce about the early days of Springshare and LibGuides.
The very first LibGuide at Temple University, Circa 2007.
"Librarians were eager to move paper research guides and pathfinders to the web, but were frustrated by internal rules and requirements that made it difficult to do so. Then on April 16, 2007 I received this message from Slaven..." And the rest is history!
The library industry was not alone in this desire for new technology; 2007 was an important year for tech in general. A CNET article from earlier this year outlined the tech innovations of '07, including the beginning of Netflix streaming, the very first iPhone, the Kindle, the first LCD TV, and more.
Like many of these new products, LibGuides took off! Steve recalls, "Once librarians had an opportunity to explore the LibGuides they were highly enthusiastic and wanted to begin using it as soon as possible. We had our demo site by May 1 and were a full-fledged customer by July 1, 2007."
The original LibGuides dashboard.
Remember when adding a Content Box looked like this?
From the LibGuides Community
From then to now, fast-forward 17 years and check out some of our favorite LibGuides from our worldwide user community!
Visually Appealing Information
Vincennes University's Shake Library presents tons of relevant information in a visually stunning LibGuide. Complete with subject guides and resources, library tutorials, A-Z Databases, study room reservations, and more - this LibGuide does it all with captivating colors and imagery.
Murder Mystery Fun
There's been a murder and it's up to you to solve it! Bishop Mueller Library at Briar Cliff University uses LibGuides to liven things up with a murder mystery whodunit game. Help solve the mystery of who murdered Librarian Rita Storey and vote for who you think the killer is by investigating each suspect.
All About the Aesthetics
Penn Libraries uses a cohesive color palette to appeal to their new students with this beautiful New Student Orientation LibGuide. With super-easy-to-navigate tabs, this guide works on all levels.
Eye-Catching Imagery
Complete with bright, colorful images, New Braunfels Public Library has created a well-organized LibGuide with tons of resources for adults, including special programs, book clubs, job help, and volunteering opportunities. We're sure it comes as no surprise that the picture of the pup in the bowtie is our favorite!
Get inspired by our LibGuides Community - featuring guides from our worldwide user community.
Want to be featured in our Springy Staff Picks? Submit your LibGuides here!