Early Adoption, Lasting Impact: Algonquin Leads Consortium to Better Wayfinding

Algonquin Public Library in Illinois emerged as a leader in improving user experience and accessibility by implementing StackMap’s interactive wayfinding system nine years ago. At the time, offering an innovative, interactive digital wayfinding solution was an entirely new concept in their library. We spoke with Lauren Schoenherr, Materials Handling Coordinator, and Doug Cataldo, Marketing and Outreach Coordinator, to learn more about their experience.

“We first implemented StackMap back in 2016. It was very interesting, and we had never seen anything like it before. We worked with the StackMap team to get the product up and running for our library, as well as training our staff.”

Reflecting on the early stages, Lauren and Doug shared that the implementation process was seamless, thanks to the collaboration between the library’s team and StackMap’s experts. Once the system was fully integrated, the benefits became immediately apparent.

“Once the implementation process had been completed, we loved the final result. It’s super easy and user-friendly, and patrons shared that they really enjoyed it.”

Algonquin Public Library’s decision to adopt StackMap didn’t just impact their own institution—it also had a ripple effect throughout their library consortium, the Cooperative Computer Services (CCS) network. As one of the first libraries in the consortium to integrate StackMap, their success story quickly caught the attention of other libraries.

“We are a part of the CCS consortium, and we were one of the first libraries in the consortium to choose StackMap. Being one of the first libraries in the consortium to have StackMap integrated, it was clear that we were making an impact on the other libraries. Once they saw it working well for us, they also became interested in the possibility of StackMap elevating their libraries as well, given how close-knit they all are.”

Since that initial adoption, StackMap has worked with a number of libraries within the CCS network—some of which are current users, while others have implemented it at various points over the years—demonstrating the far-reaching impact of Algonquin’s leadership.

StackMap continues to support Algonquin Public Library through every evolution and update to its physical space and digital services. Whether through software improvements or new floor plans, StackMap has remained an adaptable and reliable solution for their needs.

“We’ve had StackMap for around nine years now, and all of the changes that have happened in our library have been supported by StackMap as well, meaning StackMap was able to follow suit. We recently got new floor plans, which have been awesome, thanks to the support of the StackMap team and their graphic designers.”

Algonquin Public Library’s journey with StackMap exemplifies how early adoption of innovative technology can lead to widespread transformation. By taking the first step, they not only improved their own library’s accessibility and navigation but also paved the way for others in their consortium to do the same.

– Lauren Schoenherr, Materials Handling Coordinator, Algonquin Public Library

– Doug Cataldo, Marketing and Outreach Coordinator, Algonquin Public Library