There is definitely free and open source software out there with which to create online guides. Some are more similar to Libguides than others. For a list of subject guide open source software, see the "Subject Guide Software" section of the "Resources" page. In an attempt to provide software that is most similar to LibGuides, database-driven subject guide software was not included in this list.
LibGuides are not free. Pricing is based on institutional FTE (see graphic below). The cost includes hosting, usage statistics, customer support, LibGuide community forums, LibGuide tutorials, automatic link checking, and more.
Here's a more specific breakdown of cost by FTE (provided by SCELC):
For more information on pricing and a free trial, click here.
LibGuides are used to create online, multimedia guides in order to promote library resources, to provide research instruction, and to share knowledge and information in general. They consist of several different, customizable boxes (widgets) that can incorporate many of the current Web 2.0 technologies (RSS feeds, del.icio.us link clouds, videos from YouTube, etc.).
Quick Facts
APU Libraries decided to go with LibGuides, rather than one of the free, open source options, for these reasons: