[OPEN-ILS-DEV] Org Unit Hierarchy Question

[Alan Simon]

Hello -

I am configuring an Evergreen system for 2,900 libraries in Pennsylvania 
(OK, so it's really a FulfILLment system, but the concepts I am 
discussing are the same.).  Our existing system allows users to select a 
region (or the entire state) from a clickable map, and then to select a 
type of library (public, school, academic, or special) before executing 
a search.  I would like to duplicate this capability within a 
FulfILLment front end, but I am unsure of the best way to create the org 
unit table.  I have created the following org unit types:

Consortium
   Region
     District
       System
         Institution
           Building

If I put four library types under Consortium, I would have to have 
distinct hierarchies for each type.  In addition, this would not allow a 
user to search all libraries within one region.  If I put four library 
types under each of our 30 regions, than I would have to have 120 
library type org units, each with its own unique shortname, and this 
would not allow a user to search by library type across the entire 
state.  Can anyone offer a solution to incorporating library type within 
this geographically-based hierarchy?

Thanks for your help.

Alan

-- 
Alan Simon, Director of Data Services
HSLC
3600 Market Street, Suite 550
Philadephia, PA  19104
215-222-1532
simon at hslc.org