Library User Guides A Free Service

Library User Guides was a free service for librarians, professors, instructors and teachers to improve utilization and appreciation of library resources.
This was its website.
Content is from the site's archived pages and other sources.

With step-by-step explanations accompanied with clear visuals Library User Guides shows how to use valuable library resources.

  • The videos are greatly appreciated by those who need to learn their way around the modern library.
  • Library User Guides is used by public libraries, high-school, university, community colleges, medical and specialty libraries.
  • The videos are convenient for use in classroom instruction, workshops and conferences and even at the reference desk.
  • Library patrons and students who live remotely from the library can still benefit because Library User Guides is available online.
  • There is no cost to your library or school to use Library User Guides.

LIBRARY USER GUIDES

Library User Guides explains how to locate and use many library resources. Library User Guides is used by thousands of libraries worldwide. Coverage on many resources including: government resources ready reference career guidance news media encyclopedias databases.

To-the-point instructional online videos that show how to locate and use numerous electronic resources:

Databases
• TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL
• OPEN SECRETS • ERIC • SCIRUS BASIC SEARCH
• SCIRUS ADVANCED SEARCH
• SCIRUS SUGGESTED SEARCH WORDS
• SCIRUS USING THE INFORMATION

Encyclopedias
• WIKIPEDIA BASIC SEARCH
• WIKIPEDIA BROWSE
• ABOUT DOT COM
• Career Guidance
• CAREER INFONET

Ready Reference
• CIA WORLD FACTBOOK
• THE FREE DICTIONARY

Specialized Resources
• INTERNET ARCHIVE
• GUTENBERG BOOKS
• SOME SOURCES OF IMAGES
• AMERICAN MEMORY ONLINE COLLECTIONS
• PRO CON DOT ORG • INTERNET PUBLIC LIBRARY

• News Media
• NATIONAL PUBLIC RADIO

Medical Information
• CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL
• POISON CONTROL CENTER
• MEDLINE PLUS HEALTH TOPICS
• MEDLINE PLUS DRUG-SUPPLEMENT INFORMATION
• MEDLINE PLUS MEDICAL PROCEDURES VIDEOS

Government Resources
• AUSTRALIA GOVERNMENT INFORMATION
• CANADA GOVERNMENT INFORMATION
• IRELAND GOVERNMENT INFORMATION
• NEW ZEALAND GOVERNMENT INFORMATION
• SINGAPORE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION
• SOUTH AFRICA GOVERNMENT INFORMATION
• UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT INFORMATION
• U.S. GOVERNMENT OBTAINING GOVERNMENT INFORMATION
• U.S. GOVERNMENT PERSONAL ASSISTANCE
• U.S. GOVERNMENT INFORMATION FOR RESEARCHERS

The Richard Miles was the co-founder of Miles Multimedia starting in September 1999 to the present.
The goal was to develop Information Literacy online training multimedia and online textbooks. Miles Multimedia produced more than 100 titles that have been viewed by more than 100,000 users worldwide.

Information Literacy is exemplified in libraries where people routinely search for diverse kinds of information. Although the internet has simplified access to information, it often lacks the depth found in the references and periodicals of a large library. For example, while searching for basic items like pet products is easy online, finding detailed information on compliance with regulatory or safety matters often requires more specialized sources.

Consider the case of a startup needing to understand the nuances of safety standards for its products. In this scenario, Information Literacy becomes crucial. The company must navigate through various regulations, understanding not just the safety compliance requirements but also the standards related to materials and construction. This task involves consulting multiple references, including standards and practices, which are not typically found in a single online source.

Enhancing Information Literacy is also crucial when replacing outdated software. Think about finding the best replacement for FoxPro, especially if you need a custom solution. This transition requires accessing a variety of online training resources to ensure a smooth and informed switch. The need for comprehensive Information Literacy skills is highlighted here, as it involves not just finding information but understanding and applying it effectively within a specific context. This skill is key to acquiring a broad range of information efficiently and accurately.

About Jody Perkins

Assistant Professor - Computer Science
Bakersfield College
Bakersfield, California
August 2015 to present

Teach Introduction to Computer Science, Introduction to Microsoft Office, Programming Concepts and Methodologies I
& II, Computer Architecture and Organization, Discrete Structures and Web Design courses.

Co-Founder
Miles Multimedia
Bakersfield, California
September 1999 to present
Develop Information Literacy online training multimedia and online textbooks. Produced more than 100 titles that have been viewed by more than 100,000 users worldwide.

Mobile Applications Developer
Kia Motors
Irvine, California
April 2014 to January 2015
Coordinated Android and iOS mobile application projects. Worked with in-house teams from multiple departments and domestic and overseas 3rd party vendors. Made specifications, oversaw development, reviewed compliance with  standards, ensured that app software follows security best practices. Guided multiple projects to meet strict completion deadlines.

Head Librarian - Instructor
Transpacific Hawaii College
Honolulu, Hawaii
April 2003 to March 2008
Managed the library. Provided reference desk consultation. Monitored circulation. Responsible for collection development and negotiation of electronic resource subscriptions. Cataloged all library assets. Handled all library budget matters. Maintained library website. Implemented school’s first online course management system. Taught classes in library and research skills and information technology. As a member of the Comprehensive

Technology Committee
established guidelines for IT services and made recommendations for hardware and software upgrades in support of the curriculum. Served on the Student Learning Outcomes Committee and on the WASC Accreditation Steering Committee. Developed new courses in conjunction with the Curriculum Committee.

Teaching Assistant
Information and Computer Science, University of Hawaii at Manoa
Honolulu, Hawaii
August 2004 to December 2004

Provided help to students on course topics in ICS 311 - Data Structures and Algorithms, assisted students with Java language programming.

 

More Background On LibraryUserGuides.com

 

LibraryUserGuides.com was the public-facing website for Library User Guides, a free instructional service designed to help librarians, educators, students, and library patrons better understand and use modern library resources. At a time when libraries were rapidly transitioning from print-centric environments to digitally mediated research ecosystems, the site played a meaningful role in bridging the gap between access and understanding.

Rather than serving as a conventional directory or reference page, LibraryUserGuides.com focused on instructional clarity. It offered concise, visual, step-by-step guides—primarily in video form—that demonstrated how to locate, search, evaluate, and apply information from authoritative library resources. These guides covered a wide range of databases, reference tools, government information portals, and specialty collections that were often confusing or underutilized by the general public.

Although no longer actively updated, LibraryUserGuides.com remains an important artifact of early online information-literacy instruction and a reflection of how librarians and educators adapted to the growing complexity of digital research.

Historical Context: Libraries in the Early Digital Transition

To understand the significance of LibraryUserGuides.com, it is necessary to situate it within the broader transformation of libraries during the late 1990s and early 2000s.

During this period, libraries were investing heavily in:

  • Subscription databases and licensed electronic journals

  • Online encyclopedias and reference platforms

  • Digital government and statistical portals

  • Emerging multimedia and archival collections

At the same time, library instruction models were under strain. Traditional in-person orientations and one-on-one reference interactions were no longer sufficient to support growing student populations, distance learners, and remote users. Many patrons assumed that general web search engines were adequate substitutes for curated library resources, often unaware of the depth, reliability, and specialization those resources offered.

LibraryUserGuides.com emerged directly from this tension. Its purpose was not to replace librarians, but to extend their instructional reach by offering reusable, standardized explanations that could be deployed anywhere—classrooms, workshops, help desks, or remote learning environments.

Founding Vision and Ownership

LibraryUserGuides.com was closely associated with Miles Multimedia, an educational multimedia company founded in 1999. The company’s stated goal was to develop online training materials and instructional content focused on information literacy—a discipline concerned with how individuals locate, evaluate, and responsibly use information.

Richard Miles

Richard Miles, a co-founder of Miles Multimedia, brought both academic training and practical library experience to the project. His work centered on translating library research practices into formats that were understandable to non-experts. Over time, Miles Multimedia produced more than 100 instructional titles that collectively reached well over 100,000 users worldwide.

LibraryUserGuides.com represented the most publicly accessible expression of that work. Unlike subscription-based tutorial services, Library User Guides was explicitly positioned as free to use, removing cost barriers for public libraries, schools, and independent learners.

Jody Perkins

Jody Perkins, a co-founder and contributor to the project, brought extensive experience as both a librarian and an educator. Her professional background included academic librarianship, instructional design, and teaching computer science and information-technology-related courses at the college level.

Her experience managing library collections, negotiating electronic subscriptions, and teaching research skills informed the site’s practical orientation. The guides reflected real-world questions patrons asked at reference desks, rather than abstract demonstrations detached from actual library workflows.

Mission and Educational Goals

The central mission of LibraryUserGuides.com was to improve information literacy by showing—not telling—how library resources work.

Rather than relying on text-heavy manuals or abstract explanations, the platform emphasized:

  • Visual demonstration of search processes

  • Plain-language narration and on-screen cues

  • Short, task-focused tutorials

  • Real examples using live databases and tools

This approach recognized that many users learn best by watching someone perform a task and then replicating it themselves. It also acknowledged the diversity of learning contexts in which library instruction occurs, from formal academic courses to spontaneous patron inquiries.

Importantly, the site framed information literacy as a life skill, not merely an academic requirement. The guides were relevant to job seekers, healthcare consumers, entrepreneurs, and anyone navigating complex information environments.

Scope of Content and Resource Coverage

LibraryUserGuides.com offered instruction across a broad spectrum of resource categories, reflecting the multifaceted role libraries play in their communities.

Databases and Scholarly Search Tools

The site included tutorials for widely used research databases and discovery tools. These guides typically demonstrated:

  • Basic and advanced search techniques

  • Use of subject terms and limiters

  • Interpretation of results lists

  • Evaluation of source relevance and credibility

By demystifying database interfaces, Library User Guides helped users move beyond trial-and-error searching and toward more intentional research strategies.

Encyclopedias and General Knowledge Resources

Recognizing that encyclopedic tools were often misunderstood, the site provided guidance on using general reference resources responsibly. Rather than discouraging their use, the tutorials emphasized context, verification, and appropriate citation.

This balanced approach reflected evolving librarian attitudes toward online reference tools, acknowledging their usefulness while reinforcing critical evaluation skills.

Career and Ready-Reference Resources

Career guidance tools, labor statistics platforms, and factual reference sources were prominently featured. These guides supported users engaged in:

  • Job searches and career planning

  • Industry and occupational research

  • Quick fact-finding for personal or professional needs

Such content underscored libraries’ role as community support institutions, not just academic research centers.

Specialized Digital Collections

LibraryUserGuides.com also introduced users to digital archives, public-domain book collections, and cultural heritage resources. Tutorials covered platforms that provided access to historical documents, images, and primary sources—materials often overlooked by novice researchers.

These guides encouraged deeper engagement with primary materials and illustrated how libraries preserve and provide access to cultural memory.

Medical, News, and Government Information

A significant portion of the site focused on authoritative health information, reputable news sources, and government portals from multiple countries. This content addressed real-world information needs related to:

  • Public health and safety

  • Policy and civic engagement

  • Statistical and regulatory research

By emphasizing official and vetted sources, LibraryUserGuides.com reinforced ethical and responsible information use.

Audience and Institutional Adoption

LibraryUserGuides.com served a remarkably broad audience, including:

  • Public library patrons

  • High-school and college students

  • University faculty and instructors

  • Medical and specialty library users

  • Librarians and information professionals

The site’s guides were used in classrooms, workshops, conferences, and at reference desks. They were also valuable for remote learners and patrons who could not easily access in-person instruction.

Its adoption by thousands of libraries worldwide suggests that it met a genuine need within the profession, particularly for scalable instructional tools that did not require extensive local customization.

Design Philosophy and Usability

From a design standpoint, LibraryUserGuides.com prioritized function over aesthetics. The interface was straightforward, organized by resource type rather than academic discipline. This structure mirrored how patrons typically approached research questions and allowed users to quickly locate relevant guides.

The videos themselves were concise and focused, avoiding unnecessary technical jargon. This restraint made the content approachable for users with varying levels of digital confidence.

Popularity, Reviews, and Professional Reception

While formal user reviews are scarce, the site’s widespread institutional use speaks to its effectiveness. Librarians valued the clarity and reliability of the guides, while educators appreciated their adaptability for instruction.

The absence of advertising, paywalls, or proprietary restrictions further enhanced its reputation as a genuinely service-oriented project aligned with library values.

Press, Media, and Professional Visibility

LibraryUserGuides.com did not rely on mainstream media coverage. Instead, it circulated through professional networks, librarian recommendations, training sessions, and word-of-mouth. This pattern was common for specialized educational tools that prioritized utility over branding.

Its visibility within library and information-science circles suggests quiet but sustained professional respect.

Cultural and Social Significance

LibraryUserGuides.com represents an important moment in the evolution of information literacy education. It demonstrates how librarians and educators proactively addressed the challenges posed by rapidly expanding digital information environments.

By offering free, accessible instruction focused on authoritative sources, the site contributed to broader efforts to foster critical thinking, reduce misinformation, and empower individuals to navigate complex systems independently.

Its emphasis on visual learning and practical demonstration anticipated many features now standard in modern online education platforms.

Legacy and Continuing Relevance

Although LibraryUserGuides.com is no longer actively maintained, its instructional philosophy remains influential. Contemporary library tutorials, research guides, and embedded instructional videos reflect many of the same principles: brevity, clarity, visual explanation, and user-centered design.

As an archived resource, the site continues to offer insight into early digital-instruction strategies and the professional values that shaped them.

 

LibraryUserGuides.com was not merely a website—it was a response to a pivotal shift in how knowledge is accessed and understood. By focusing on practical instruction, equitable access, and authoritative sources, it helped libraries extend their educational mission into the digital realm.

Its legacy endures as a model of how information literacy can be taught effectively, ethically, and inclusively—principles that remain just as relevant today.

 

LibraryUserGuides.com