Knowledge map: a creative visual path to library guides and resources
ISSN: 0264-0473
Article publication date: 25 November 2020
Issue publication date: 12 December 2020
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to indicate that library guides seem to be unfamiliar to most students or not easy to find or use. Some improvements have been made by embedding the guides in the learning management system or promoting the guides in formal library instructional classes. Are there other ways to promote or improve the use of library guides? The author proposes an exploratory visual solution to minimize this gap between library users and library guides.
Design/methodology/approach
Guided by the cognitive load theory, the proposed solution is a knowledge map created with Freeplane. The proposal is illustrated by comparing a sample knowledge map with its content source, a subject guide in LibGuides, via three browsing paths in locating a recommended database for a particular course on the sample subject guide website.
Findings
The knowledge map can display contents in different ways and provide a simple and visual layout with direct access to the library resources, which may help lessen users’ intrinsic cognitive load, minimize extraneous load or promote germane load. The map can also be beneficial to librarians for preparing teaching materials or guides management.
Practical implications
The proposed solution can be implemented with Freeplane based on existing library guides or created from scratch.
Originality/value
The proposed solution addresses a gap in the library field, where the use of knowledge maps for library services is overlooked.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Latisha Reynolds, Research Assistance and Instruction, University of Louisville.
Lin Wu, Research and Learning Services, Health Sciences Library, University of Tennessee Health Science Center.
Citation
Liu, W. (2020), "Knowledge map: a creative visual path to library guides and resources", The Electronic Library, Vol. 38 No. 5/6, pp. 943-962. https://doi.org/10.1108/EL-03-2020-0055
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited