D10 Quick Tips

A biweekly series of concise recommendations to help you navigate and use our enhanced website features effectively
Photo of someone selecting a book from a library shelf

Tip #1: Linking to Documents on a Webpage

With our recent upgrade, linking to documents has never been easier. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide of one method:

  1. Upload Your Document: Navigate to the "Media" section of your account and upload the file you want to link. (Content > Media > Media Library > +Add Media)
  1. Copy the Link: Once uploaded, click on the "Files" section to find the file (it should be right on top) and right-click to copy the link address.
  1. Insert the Link: Go to the webpage where you want to include the link. Highlight the text or select the button where the link will be embedded, click the link icon, and paste the copied URL.

Watch a detailed video walkthrough

Tip #2: Using "Committee Type" and "Content Topics" for Committee Pages

screenshot of new committee options

We're excited to introduce the "Content Topics" feature for Committee pages, which is now available. We've also added "Committee Type" to the ALA Unit options to help differentiate the many different types of Committees we have in the association.

These enhancements allow you to categorize content more efficiently on Committee pages.

Here’s how you can take advantage of these new features:

  1. Select "ALA Units": When editing a Committee page, you will see new options in the "ALA Units" section. We suggest choosing your unit and the Committee Type when applicable.
  1. Select "Content Topics": You will also now see a "Content Topics" section. Simply select the relevant topics that best categorize the content on that page.
  1. Inform Your Team: Please notify your staff about this update. They should start using the "ALA Units" and "Content Topics" features to categorize Committee pages. This will streamline the content organization and prepare us for the new Committee views we are creating.

By categorizing content in advance, we can ensure a smooth transition to the enhanced Committee view, making it easier for members to find relevant information and get involved.

Tip #3: Using Tags Appropriately

walkthrough gif of adding content tags
Tags are a powerful tool to improve the discoverability and organization of your content.
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Here’s how to use them effectively:
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  1. Select Relevant Tags: When creating or editing a page, choose tags that accurately represent your content's main topics and themes. This ensures that users can easily find related information.
  2. Avoid Over-Tagging: Limit the number of tags to those most pertinent to the content. Over-tagging can dilute the effectiveness and make it harder for users to find what they need.
  3. Consistency is Key: Use standardized tags across similar types of content to maintain consistency and improve the user experience.

By using tags appropriately, you can enhance the searchability and organization of our website, making it easier for members to find the information they need.

Tip #4: Best Practices for Alt-Tags

Gif of a webpage titled "Image Accessibility Creator" with sections for uploading an image and adding a description.
Alt-tags play a crucial role in accessibility and SEO. Here’s how to use them effectively:
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  1. Describe the Image: Provide a concise, accurate image content description. This helps users who rely on screen readers understand your page's visual elements.
  2. Be Specific and Relevant: The alt tag should be specific to the image and relevant to the page's context. Avoid generic descriptions.
    H/t to Robert Christopher for sharing this Image Accessibility Creator tool from ASU – give it a try when creating your next alt-tag copy!
  3. Include Keywords Thoughtfully: If appropriate, include keywords that align with the page content. This can help improve search engine rankings without compromising the description's clarity.
By following these best practices, you can enhance the accessibility and searchability of our website, making it more inclusive and user-friendly.