Resource Location Maps

Abstract

Our librarians needed an easy way to answer the question, “Which computer has X software?” Since some software packages are expensive, or require an above average machine to operate, not every software tool is available on every machine. To solve this, we created a web page that displayed an active map of each computer room and a list of available software. Hovering over a software title highlights every computer with that software. Clicking on a computer highlights every piece of software on that computer. Behind the scenes, we combined a spreadsheet of computer names correlated with the software on each machine with a map of computer locations. The process can also be used to answer other resources questions such as, “Where are study rooms with white boards?” and “What are the hours and services at each of the branch locations?”