Learn about the wayfinding application developed by Ryerson University Library and Archives

1. Creating Intuitive, Innovative, &
Interactive Library Experiences
by
Steven Marsden, Library Systems Analyst
David Quast, Library Information Technology Analyst
Fangmin Wang, Head Library Information Technology Services
2014 OLA Super Conference

2. A long time ago in a library far far away…
It all begins with students...
Identified need to improve discovery of locations within
the library.
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“Where do I find my book?”
“Where are there free computers?”
“Where is the writing centre?”
“Where is study room LIB761?”
“Where is there group study space?”
“Where are the printers?”
2014 OLA Super Conference

3. The Early Days
Library launched information desk (iDesk).
Located directly inside front entrance
Staffed during busy daytime periods
Provides answers to both library-specific and general
questions
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What about when the iDesk wasn’t staffed?
What if the iDesk attendant was otherwise occupied?
2014 OLA Super Conference

4. A Digital Approach
Needed something that:
Was always available
Was accessible from anywhere
Addressed the common wayfinding questions
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A total wayfinding solution would be nice. Elected to
focus on one part first -- finding books.
2014 OLA Super Conference

5. Existing options
Knew that book location applications already existed.
None provided the level of functionality and integrated
user experience we wanted.
Fast to load/use
Easily navigable
Highly customizable
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2014 OLA Super Conference

6. First Step :: Bookfinder
Began development of in-house solution…
… Which went on for two years.
Why?
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Wanted to create a great user experience
Wanted to have a real search tool
Wanted it to work cross-device
2014 OLA Super Conference

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13. Using it :: Bookfinder
Call numbers of books map to known shelf ranges
Each shelf is given a name. Book Finder then tells the
user the shelf name along with where it is.
Shelves named consistently along each floor.
2014 OLA Super Conference

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15. Behind the scenes :: Bookfinder
Built on a robust backend
•Simple LAMP, CodeIgniter framework and JavaScript
Administration and database designed to be
expanded on easily
•Support for multiple buildings
•Support for multiple item and location types
2014 OLA Super Conference

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21. Reception :: BookFinder
Launched in Nov. 2012. We now had a working system to
help find books.
Won the CLA award for Innovative Technology, 2013
But it only mapped books. What about computers? Or
locations?
2014 OLA Super Conference

22. Moving forward :: RULA Finder
Needed to improve on Book Finder.
Support multiple locations per floor
New interface for kiosk
Front end had to map more than just books
Support for more than just rectangular regions
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… Another eight months of development went by
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26. Moving Forward :: RULA Finder
Finder now supported all the functionality
that was needed.
Just a matter of building a wrapper to
provide kiosk users access to all the
content
2014 OLA Super Conference

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34. Reception :: RULA Finder
Launched Sept, 2013
Almost entirely positive feedback from staff and students.
2014 OLA Super Conference

35. Looking Forward :: RULA Finder
Already plan to install second kiosk in lobby of new
Student Learning Centre.
And lots of other improvements...
2014 OLA Super Conference

36. Big Data :: Usage Stats
Collecting stats since launch.
Want to see the number of users and how system is being
used.
2014 OLA Super Conference

37. (Feb 2013 - Jan 2014)
Hit peak of 7877 locations mapped
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38. Total = 45,955
(Nov 2012 - Present)
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41. Total = 4205
(Sept 07, 2013 - Jan 15th)
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43. Summary :: What we’ve learned
Books still matter
Kiosk has more than double the number of book searches
than any other possible action.
Bookfinder hugely popular -- averaging several hundred
uses per day
2014 OLA Super Conference

44. Summary :: What we’ve learned
Through the use of Book Finder and Finder on the Kiosk,
students now have more options for finding resources
and services in the library.
The added benefit being that limited staff time can be
devoted to more important tasks.
2014 OLA Super Conference

45. Hands On :: Bookfinder
Original Book Finder app available:
http://github.com/ryersonlibrary/rula-finder
2014 OLA Super Conference

46. Thank you
Questions?
2014 OLA Super Conference