Transforming special collections through innovative uses for LibGuides

Purpose - This paper seeks to explore the utility of Springshare's LibGuides platform for special collections repositories and to evaluate the collection guides built by Special & Digital Collections at the University of South Florida in LibGuides. Design/methodology/approach - This paper explores how academic libraries have used LibGuides previously and provides a case study that suggests new ways for special collections repositories to make the most of the product. Findings - The simplicity and easy-to-update functionality of LibGuides works well for USF's Special & Digital Collections collection guides. The flexible API allowed SDC to embed digital content, enable user comments, advertise events, and measure the impact of various services. Practical implications - LibGuides provides an intuitive, simple, and cost-effective method to create dynamic and frequently updated guides to special collections. Originality/value - This is the first paper to explore the use of LibGuides in a special collections repository.