A colleague of mine asked me about using Microsoft Visio for a map project he is undertaking. I realized that my course on how to create an online interactive library map might be useful to him and to anyone else who is doing this so I’ve decided to put it up online.

I really like Visio, I think it is a powerful application for creating all sorts of things like maps, charts, wireframes, I’ve even created event seating plans with it which were attached to a guest list database which kept it updated. When I first started at my library I couldn’t find anything so in my spare time I used Microsoft Visio to create a couple of floor plan maps to help me out. I printed out the floor plans to use, but I also made them interactive online so that I could just press Ctrl and click on any bookshelf to see what the call number range was that it held. You can check them out here, but they only work with Internet Explorer right now:
http://www.ellyssakroski.com/ref/reference_rooms.htm

Please feel free to download my workshop materials. The workshop is divided into four parts:
1. Intro
2. Drawing
3. Formatting
4. Customizing

There is also a handout with tips, and 4 progressive Visio files which guide you along during the workshop. The object of the workshop is to end up with a floor plan that looks like the fourth one. All but the Visio files are in the Box widget below, since Box.net doesn’t store Visio files, those can be downloaded here:
http://www.ellyssakroski.com/Visio_diagrams.zip

Get your own Box.net widget and share anywhere!

For a comparable software, alternative to MS Visio, you can check out SmartDraw.

Good luck with your maps and floor plans!

I am very excited that Neal-Schuman actually let me design my own cover for my book. It will be announced in their upcoming catalog which is going to print later this week. Check it out and let me know what you think!

(Click to see the larger size!)