Mashup Idea using GoogleMaps like graphics
Submitted by sbutzel on Tue, 2006-07-18 23:10.
I'd like to be able to create a virtual mashup where by users could browse the library shelves virtually using a Google Maps-like interface. A customer would look up a book in the iPAC and then click on a link to see a Google-like-map of the library stacks where that book is shelved. The customer could then zoom in to see what other books are shelved nearby, and could zoom out if needed to see where in the library the book is located. They could also just click and drag the map around to see other areas of the library. How to do this? I have no idea. If anyone knows, I'd love to learn.
Great Idea
An excellent mashup idea Steven.
This idea builds on some work already done by Dave Pattern at the University of Huddersfield on their Horizon OPAC.
A Floor Plan map is displayed below the holding information, complete with flashing arrows directing you to the correct stack.
Taking that work and integrating it with something along the lines of the way that A9 Maps shows pictures of buildings on the roadside of where the map is focused [have a play with this map centred on Hollywood Boulevard to see what I mean] would get you to something like you describe.
So calling all map mashup enthusiasts out there, I'm sure this competition idea has legs!
Richard Wallis
Technology Evangelist - Talis
floor plans
When we implemented the floor plans, I really wanted the arrows to point to the exact shelf where the book could be found, but the Subject Teams didn't want to maintain the Dewey ranges at a "per shelf" level (as stock is often moved as sections expand and shrink).
However, we're busy implementing RFID at the moment and (in theory) that should make maintaining the shelf ranges a cinch. So, we might be able to go for much more accurate arrows on the OPAC after all.
I've also heard a couple of RFID vendors talk about "intelligent shelving" -- in other words, shelves that are able to monitor the books which are placed on them by periodically pinging the RFID tags in the books.
I suspect "intelligent shelving" is probably vapourware at the moment, but just imagine what we'd be able to do if/when it really happens!
1) no more students deliberately hiding books on the wrong shelves (in order to stop other people from being able to borrow it) -- we could have a siren, a flashing red light, and a stern "return the book to the correct shelf... you have 20 seconds to comply" warning
2) the OPAC item availability status could actually be accurate -- items could be "on loan", "on the shelf now", or "available, but not on the shelf now"
3) floor plans on the OPAC could pin point (more or less) the exact place when the book is
4) the shelving could have concealed lighting which would allow specific sections to be highlighted by someone using the OPAC on their mobile device
5) ...or even something like TomTom where you get a 3D rendering of the library floor with visual instructions ("turn left at second row of shelves, and bear right for 3 paces")
Okay, I'll stop now before I get too carried away!
(p.s. I've got a sneaky feeling that it was Iman Moradi who came up the 4th idea when I first mentioned to him that we were getting RFID)
RFID
There are first implentations of "inteligent shels" BUT they would be very expensive because every meter it needs about two RFID-Reader (one from every side. So its not affordable (now) to use this shelfes in the total library. But there are thoughts how this technologie can be used for checking in books and to judge them in the same time. (e.g.: don't like, ok, very cool)