FAQs

You’re likely going to receive the following questions from your peers/administrators.
Feel free to use these answers verbatim in your proposal.


How do we get started?

All we need from a library to get started are the following:

  • Basic Floor Plans- These can be uploaded directly or used as the basis for creating new ones.

  • Spreadsheet containing starting and ending call numbers and location information, for each range of shelving.

How can StackMap help my library during/after the COVID 19 pandemic?

We have many libraries considering StackMap an essential service in reopening the library during/after a pandemic due to its ability to encourage contactless service and decrease the footprint of patrons in the building.

Can StackMap integrate with my catalog?

We can integrate with any type of catalog. If you have doubts about your library’s particular catalog, just ask a StackMap team member about it; we have a variety of technical integration strategies at our disposal.

I share a catalog with another library, how will this work? 

If your library is part of a shared catalog and not every branch is on board to get StackMap, that’s fine! We are able to map and connect a single library branch, whether the other branches get StackMap or not.

My library is undergoing renovation, is this the right time?

Yes, it’s the perfect time. The StackMap dashboard can serve as a great spatial planning tool for what the layout on a given floor could look like, at the end of the renovation. Following the renovation, some or all of the space will be unfamiliar to users; StackMap can help them navigate the newly renovated areas.

How much time does StackMap take to setup and manage?

During the four-week set up period, a dedicated StackMap employee does it all for you using a template of your call number ranges and provided floor plans. Long term maintenance is also simple—when items move you just update your ranges in the dashboard. 

Our physical collection is shrinking, why should we map? 

Lack of use is almost always the reason that collections are shrinking. When circulation statistics are down and people aren’t checking out books enough, funding for libraries dries up! Our service allows you to market your collection, improve discoverability, and can prevent your collection from continuing to shrink. StackMap improves the usability of the collection which can lead to an increase in circulation statistics which is usually followed by an increase in budget.