STYLE MANUAL FOR THE STCC LIBRARY - A Work in Progress
(updated 12-10-12)
What is a Style Manual?
A style manual standardizes various spellings, terms, and forms of words. Standardized style provides consistency in publications and can also save the writer's time. This Style Sheet is intended as an organic document that will change over time to meet Library needs; but it will only remain useful with the participation of ALL library staff. Please suggest frequently confused terms and words to the Guide Administrator, Eric Warren ewarren@stcc.edu
What does the Style Manual mean to me?
Follow the suggestions in the Style Manual in creating anything seen by a Library user (web page, email, sign, or other public communcation). If you disagree with something and want to recommend another standard, please contact the Manual's maintainer. While this document is intended to be inclusive, it does not claim to be the final authority on everything. Disagreements may occur, which is healthy. Other Style Manuals (New York Times, Associated Press, etc.) may be consulted to resolve disputes.
How to Use the House Style Sheet
If there is no Note for a term, the term is in the standard form. However, some standard terms are further clarified via a Note. If a term is non-standard, the Manual will refer you to the correct form with a USE note.
General Pointers
• Avoid (as much as possible) library jargon (i.e. "monograph") & overuse of info-age jargon (such as the prefix "e-"). Be sensitive to the clarity of the context and the character of the audience. Words such as "database" and "resource" can sometimes be poorly understood by users.
• Beware of over-long paragraphs; break content into smaller, more digestible chunks. Usability testing demonstrates users “scan” a web page rather than reading it like a magazine or book.
•When posting to Facebook, be creative - include images whenever possible. Make your posts lively and interesting. Avoid, however, what the Urban Dictionary calls "Banghorrea" - the overuse of exclamation marks.
