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How to create a resource on your website


In this tutorial, you will learn how to create a resource.  The resource content type is used for links that are off site.  A good example would be an on-campus program or organization that is affiliated with your department.  This negates the need for landing pages and allows for better tagging and categorization.

 

Step 1: Creating a Resource


Using the menu bar at the top of the page, hover over the "Content" tab and select "Resource" from the "Add Content" menu.

Screenshot of a resource being created

Step 2: Enter the URL


When you go to create a resource, you will notice that it is unlike any other content type because there is only one text box to fill out. Our resource content type works by fetching metadata (including title and description) about a URL that you provide and then you are given the opportunity to edit that information as you see fit. Before you can fill out any other information about your resource, you need to provide a URL:

Screenshot of the resource URL box

 

Step 3: Save


Scroll down and click the Save Button

Screenshot of the "Save Page" button

 

Step 4: Fill in Fields


The next page that comes up will have grabbed the title and description of the URL that you entered.  If no title or description is available, these boxes will come back empty and you will need to write your own. Sometimes, the resource will give you a title that is not very "human-friendly" and it is a good idea to change those resource titles to something more readable.  In the example URL that I'm using, the title and description were found and included in the text boxes.  If you do not like the title and description that were returned, you may edit them now.

Screen shot of a resource title and description

The next required fields are category and tags. An in-depth description of category and tags can be found here. Choose the category that best describes your news item. Multiple categories can be selected by holding down either the Command key (on Macs) or the Control key (on Windows machines). Tags are descriptive words that enable users to search for pages more easily. They also create a relationship between pages that have similar tags:

Screenshot of category and tags

 

You will notice underneath the Category box there are three red hyperlinks: Retrieved Raw Metadata, HTTP Request and Metatags, as well as some grayed out boxes.  This is the information that was retrieved upon the first save when Luggage went out and tried to access the title and the description of the URL you submitted.  You do not need to do anything with these components.

 

Step 5: Save and Review


Scroll to the bottom and click the Save button.

Screenshot of the "Save Page" button

Your Resource should look similar to what is below, if your site is not currently using the resource screenshot feature, you will not see an image included:

Screenshot of the finished resource

Congratulations - you've created your first resource!

If you have questions about this tutorial, please contact Ann Greazel by emailing websupport@iastate.edu.
Thanks to Kristi Elmore for creating this tutorial.

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