diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index d7a9f5c47579..d7a7103236b2 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -199,8 +199,14 @@ Otherwise, to install as a system library, follow the [download][stdlib-developm
 * * *
 
 ## Contributing
+TLDR:
+```bash
+git clone --depth=1 https://github.com/stdlib-js/stdlib.git # use your username instead of `stdlib-js`
+cd stdlib
+npm install
+```
 
-See the [contributing guidelines][stdlib-contributing].
+For a complete guide, see the [contributing guidelines][stdlib-contributing].
 
 ## License