Building Virtual Maps for the Library Web OPAC

1
Building Virtual Maps for the Library Web OPAC

• Presented by
• Becky Bernal
• Mesa State College
• July 30, 2004

2
Functions of Virtual Maps

• Bridging the Web OPAC Location to Physical
  Location of Materials
• Quick answers
• Public Relations Tool
• Distance Education
• Shy Patrons

3
Process

• Idea Originated in Web Committee
• Research (looking at other Library Web Sites!)
• Brainstorming
• Establishing Goals
• Digital Floor Plan the Maps of All Library
  Floors
• Institute
• OPAC Location Changes
• Individual Images for each Location
• Trial and error

4
Web OPAC Screen with Location Link
5
Floor Plan, Includes Virtual Tour, and Picture
Links to Every Section of MSC 2nd Floor
6
Tools used at MSC

• Software All Macromedia Products
• Dreamweaver MX web editing software
• Fireworks MX image editing software
• RoboDemo software used to create interactive
  demonstration in flash format
• www.macromedia.com
• Digital camera
• PCs

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Bridging Maps to the OPAC

• Once maps were created, sent URL to Marmot system
  administrator
• WWWoptions file controls all aspects of the Web
  OPAC screens
• Lines that start with "LOC_" designate which
  pictures or web addresses to display when the
  specific location code is selected in the OPAC
  results.

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Summary

• Find out what your user needs
• Purchase software that fits the budget and campus
  web environment
• Utilize individual staff abilities
• Schedule extra time

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More Information About Virtual Maps In Your
Library OPAC

• Contact
• Becky Bernal, bbernal_at_mesastate.edu
• [phone]
• Keith Dedman, keith_at_marmot.org
• (970 242-3331 ext. 14