RULA Bookfinder: Getting People to Their Books Fast!

Presented at TRY 2013: http://cynng.wordpress.com/2013/05/07/try-2013-rula-bookfinder/
--
It should be no surprise that many library users have difficulty finding items using call numbers. To help users find items effectively and efficiently, Ryerson University Library & Archives (RULA) has built a web application for mapping library resources.

While not a new idea, our program is integrated into the user’s flow of information without having to load a special app. Unlike many other similar existing tools, our mapping tool also provides all the related information in one screen, a built-in search, links to video tutorials, the ability to share the link, and a way to get more help. In addition, the sleek, full-size interface is responsive to work on any size device.

Besides the development of the app itself, this presentation will cover the implementation of the app including the addition of physical shelf signage, how the maintenance of the app is integrated into staff workflow, usability testing, and usage statistics.

Transcript

1. Cynthia Ng Fangmin Wang Steven Marsden May 7, 2013 1
2. Why Develop this App? • A lot of students don’t understand LC call number range • We need & want to resolve this real life problem. 2
3. The innovation starts with students… Made in Ryerson 3
4. Two years of development Why so long? Because… 4
5. We want to create a great user experience. We want a real search tool. We want it work on smart phones & our future kiosk. We want to build a bridge between the digital world and the physical world. We want… 5
6. Custom Book Mapping Tool 6
7. Stackmap 7
8. Searching & Sharing Helping users Easy to use Learning Finding 8
9. What’s Different 9
17. How Does It Work? 17
18. Backend • LAMP Stack • CodeIgniter Framework (PHP based) • Summon API 18
19. Finding Locations • Grabs key fields from Library Catalogue o Location o Call Number o Availability • Compares this to known locations of resources 19
20. How to Manage Stack Data? http://apps.library.ryerson.ca/bookfinder/admin 20
23. Are Users Using It? Some Statistics 23
24. 24 30 23 28 4220 3927 5806 2770
26. What Do Users Think? Usability & Feedback 26
29. Learning Commons Open House October 2012 29
30. TVs Across Campus Winter 2013 30
31. What Next? More Features Directory Information Multiple Buildings 31
32. Contribute! http://github.com/ryersonlibrary/rula-finder 32
33. Acknowledgements Winning the: CLA/OCLC Award for Innovative Technology Thanks to: • Brennan McEachran • Graham McCarthy • Dustin Yee • Harsh Bhatt • David Quast (Bookfinder Logo) 33
34. Questions? Cynthia Ng csng@ryerson.ca @TheRealArty Fangmin Wang fwang@ryerson.ca Steven Marsden steven.marsden@ryerson.ca 34