How the Washington State Library created their Hard Times Resources Guide, and techniques for creating your own dynamic resource guide for any subject. Originally presented at the WebJunction Online Conference: Technology Essentials 2010.

1. Recipe for a Resource Guide Best Practices to Create a Simple, Useful Resource Portal Ahniwa Ferrari Online Resources Consultant Washington State Library Project Manager Hard Times Resource Guide

2. Hard Times Resource Guide Check it out at http://www.sos.wa.gov/library/hardtimes/

3. Ingredients: 1 c. audience, whole 2 t. resources, helpful Mix and let rise.

4. 1 c. audience, whole: Who is the guide for? How will they use it? How can you create something that serves everyone? Every user their resource.

5. 2 t. resources, helpful: Selective, not comprehensive. - avoid information overload. Try to define need and find resources that fill it. Every resource its user.

6. For extra flavor, add:

7. Mix and let rise. You can hone a resource guide forever. - find the good enough point and put it out there where it can help. Look at real-world use, and find ways to improve.

8. Share recipe with others. Your guide is free, and full of stuff that is also free, so what’s the sell? You found the sites so they don’t have to. Save the time of the user.

9. Constantly revise. Needs change, and so do resources. Find a balance between workload and currency. The resource guide is a growing organism.

10. Receive praise. Give your users the opportunity to thank and compliment you. Share praise with decision-makers. Cats give good high-5.

11. Celebrate. Share your success with the world! Keep in mind the best practices that worked for you, and pass your wisdom along so that others can benefit.

12. Recipe for a Resource Guide Best Practices to Create a Simple, Useful Resource Portal Ahniwa Ferrari Online Resources Consultant Washington State Library Project Manager Hard Times Resource Guide