See the style guide in action with these real examples from our library website. Shortening length and chunking content into lists are the most straightforward edits. Making content truly concise requires contextual awareness; Example 4 shows how a sentence can turn into two words by understanding your users’ tasks.
Example 1: Get Help from a Librarian
Before
If you need help locating a particular item that you found through one of our resources, please Ask a Librarian.
After
Ask a Librarian to get help.
Example 2: Access for Alumni
Before
Alumni are welcome to browse books on the shelves in most departmental libraries. Access to the book stacks in the Main Library is limited to University of Illinois faculty, staff, and students, as well as patrons with courtesy cards. Additionally, to borrow books or other materials directly from our libraries, patrons must have an I-card or a courtesy card. For more information on obtaining a courtesy card, contact Central Access Services. Visitors also have the option of requesting University of Illinois materials through the interlibrary loan department at their local public or university library. For more information on interlibrary loans at the University of Illinois, please visit Interlibrary Loan and Document Delivery.
Many of the University of Illinois online journals and databases are only available to current University students, faculty, and staff. However, these subscription-based resources can be accessed on public computers in most departmental libraries. For complete information on who can access e-resources, please review this FAQ.
After
Alumni may:
- Browse books in most departmental libraries.
- Obtain a courtesy borrowing card to access books in the Main Library stacks, borrow materials, and use the Interlibrary Loan and Document Delivery services.
- Access online journals and databases from public computers in libraries. For more information, see the e-resources FAQ.
Example 3: Reference Services for Alumni
Before
As part of the University Library’s mission to assist researchers with their questions regarding the collections, resources and services of the University Library, alumni are encouraged to use the Ask a Librarian service for assistance, either in person, via phone, via email, or via instant message. University Library reference staff and subject specialists are happy to help you use our collections and resources. Just Ask a Librarian!
After
Alumni may use the Ask a Librarian reference services.
Example 4: Copiers
Before
Publicly available copiers can be found in these libraries.
(“public” is assumed and “these libraries” doesn’t fully describe the destination)