Content Style Guide: Images, Video, Audio

One of the best ways to ensure that our website is user-friendly is to follow industry best practices, keep the content focused on key user tasks, and keep our content up-to-date at all times.

Use graphics in moderation.

Images can be an effective way to engage users, inform, and illustrate concepts but with all things, should be used strategically.

  • Don’t use an image if the subject of the image is just text (for example, don’t use an image that says “About Us” because you want a special font).
  • Don’t use animated graphics (unless the graphic is still by default and the motion can be triggered by the user).
  • Use purely decorative images sparingly.
  • Avoid clipart and generic stock photographs.

Use appropriate image alt text.

Use only images we have the right to use.

  • Ideally, the image would have a creative commons license.
  • Give attribution to the creator by adding text under the image in LibGuides.
  • If creative commons, make sure you follow what the image’s license dictates.
  • Add a caption to display copyright.

Load images over HTTPS

  • All of our services load over HTTPS, so all content that we use on our pages also much load over HTTPS. Make sure the URLs of your images, video, and audio begin with https://. Have questions? Drop me a line.

Video and audio should provide text-based alternatives.

  • Videos should include captions.
  • Audio files should include transcripts or text equivalent.

Your friendly Web Services Librarian

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Matthew Reidsma
Contact:
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(616) 331-3577
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Credits

Guide content originally created by Suzanne Chapman for the University of Illinois Libraries. Licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons By 4.0 license.

  • Last Updated: Apr 17, 2024 11:25 AM
  • URL: https://libguides.gvsu.edu/styleguide