Creating Collaborative Subject Guides for Multi-Institutional Digital Collections: A Case Study from the Louisiana Digital Library

Abstract

This case study focuses on the development of subject guides for the Louisiana Digital Library (LDL), a state-wide digital repository for digital cultural heritage. While subject guides are always important for navigating large collections, during the state-wide shutdown of libraries due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for the guides was greater than ever. In keeping with the LDL’s multi-institutional and collaborative nature, representatives from seven Louisiana-based institutions responded to an open call to form a rapid-response working group. Within three weeks, ten guides were developed and published. Equally important, an iterative workflow for building and updating guides was established to allow flexible, responsive guides and input from a wide range of professionals and patrons.