Library IT is getting a number of enquiries about images that don’t look right on libguides, and also finding examples of other images that could potentially cause webgate or other problems when the page is downloaded.

Images on the web can be tricky, so if you are in the least bit unsure about using an image on a libguides page please contact Library IT and ask for help before you put an image up.

Just a few of the many things that need to considered with images on the web and in libguides:
1) You can’t just copy and paste an image into a libguides edit screen. We are seeing examples of where it looks like this has been attempted, and while nothing displays, there is funny code that needs to be tidied up. Talk to Library IT is you need some training on how to put images in libguides.

2) You shouldn’t just take a photo and upload it. Chances are the photo will be much too big, both in terms of width and height (I’ve seen images that are more than 2000px wide being uploaded to fit into an allowed space of 130px) and also file size. If the pixel size is too big and is forced into a smaller space it will look distorted, as well as taking longer to load the page, and a file that is too big will drastically slow down the page load.

3) You need to consider what format your image should be – eg jpg or gif. If you choose the wrong type, your image will also be distorted.

Library IT is reconsidering how Library staff manage images – we are considering offering some training and finding some simple software that will allow more staff to manipulate and use images. So hopefully this may become easier in the future.

Catherine