Mouse Platform?

[Andrew Mutch]

We are migrating over to a web-based OPAC at our library.  Our mice, which has been
previously hidden away, are coming out for our patrons to use.  The challenge I have is
that our OPAC cabinets were not designed for both keyboard and mouse.  Although I can fit a
mouse next to the keyboard, it is a tight fit and doesn't allow a lot of maneuvering that
some patrons need for moving the mouse around.  We had previously experimented with a
keyboard with a trackball mouse incorporated into the "keypad" portion of the keyboard but
that didn't work very well.

What I am looking for is a small platform that would ride over the "keypad" portion of the
keyboard and would allow some extra room to allow the mouse to be maneuvered.  I recall
seeing this at a library that had the same space limitations with their OPACs and it seemed
like a creative solution to a space-needs problem.  The only problem is that I can't find
anything like this anywhere and I can't recall where I saw this.  I looked through a number
of catalogs without success. I did see several "extensions" but I'm trying to avoid
something pricey that needs to be installed on the cabinents.  Before I call up the local
high school and see if they can whip me out a dozen from the plastics section of the shop
class, does anyone have any suggestions/sources/etc. for this product?

Thank you,

Andrew Mutch
Library Systems Technician
Waterford Township Public Library
Waterford, MI