ShelfMap is back!

By Bernard Comment Closed

ShelfMap is back its following its hibernation during Covid-19.

It now features a floorplan Editor as well as numerous bug fixes and enhancements which have been worked on in the last couple of years. Highlights include:

  • The new Editor – Amend your plans and re-publish them at your convenience. Keep backups of old versions.
  • Automatic optimisation of plan size and position to suit the device being used.
  • Clickability – click furniture to see what books it contains
  • Better highlighting. The stack itself can be highlighted in addition to (or instead of) the usual pin or arrow
  • Grouping of stacks – several stacks can be designated as containing a certain

You can now get a free trial to use the Editor.

Alternatively, book a demo to see the latest version in action and how it can transform your library.

Covid-19 update

By Bernard Comment Closed

Due to Covid-19, ShelfMap is self-isolating, rather like the rest of us. As so many libraries are closed to the majority of users and with safety measures preventing them from accessing book stacks, there seems little point in running the servers at the moment.

However, it is planned to re-launch later in 2021 when we have more idea about when libraries will be open. It will be very interesting to see how library services develop in the light of the pandemic and whether it leads to higher demand for self-service technology solutions so watch this space.

Stay safe everyone!

ShelfMap improves the student experience at Goldsmiths.

By Bernard Comment Closed
Aisle signs with ShelfMap were an effective combination

Research carried out by the developer of ShelfMap as part of his Masters by Research at Manchester Metropolitan University has indicated that students experience reduced anxiety in using the library if they have access to a wayfinding tool.

As part of the research at Goldsmith’s Library, six students were asked to find four items – two without any wayfinding assistance, and two using ShelfMap. A time saving of 39% to find the correct stack was observed when using ShelfMap. 

Comments made by the participants using ShelfMap included:

“I would have identified the book [in task 3] a lot quicker [if using ShelfMap].”

“Look, I’m whizzing through”

Another observation was that using companion signage (stack side numbers) in conjunction with ShelfMap boosted navigational success in a way that signage in itself could not.