Mapping Beyond the Library with StackMap: Elevating Collection Mapping and Explore beyond the Stacks

StackMap's potential to meet diverse user needs extends far beyond traditional library settings. The Charleston School of Law Library has gone above and beyond in showcasing this. We had the opportunity to speak with Adam Harness, Head of Digital Collections & Initiatives, regarding the various ways he has customized StackMap’s Explore and Collection Mapping modules to meet the needs of all users, both within and outside the law library.

After the initial setup for Explore and Collection Mapping, it became evident that we wanted to offer more to users outside the law library. With kiosks placed on all floors of the law school, displaying Explore proved to be ideal for anyone needing to navigate the space. Explore allowed us to highlight specific locations on each floor of the law school. Then, I developed a web overlay to complement Explore.

This feature provides a clean interface for all our patrons, students, and staff, facilitating their search for specific items in the library. It makes it easy to find what they need, with StackMap guiding them to their destination.

Many students seek classrooms, professors' offices, or various departments within the law school, such as financial aid or academic services. Additionally, we receive traffic from outside visitors using the product to navigate the building. The integration of Explore has significantly enhanced overall visitor satisfaction.

Collection Mapping has also enhanced the law school library experience. We've customized the product to suit our requirements by further separating our collections. Previously, due to collections shifting, we had mapped our collections more generally. Now, we've divided individual shelves to aid patrons in finding what they're looking for. Students and staff have expressed much satisfaction with these recent changes!

StackMap facilitated the expansion of wayfinding throughout the Charleston School of Law and its library. Collection Mapping helped to reorganize the stacks, allowing patrons and staff to better familiarize themselves with the collection and by incorporating Explore with their kiosks, users can now discover more places than ever before across the entire Law School.

—Adam Harness, Head of Digital Collections & Initiatives, Charleston School of Law Library