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How to Use the 1_Data - Dept People Directory

The People Directory Utility allows you to generate a structured, searchable directory of people on your website using a single dataset. Instead of manually creating profile listings on a page, you maintain your directory in a spreadsheet and let the utility automatically build and update the directory display.

This system works in two stages. First, you create and organize your directory dataset using the People Component Datasource spreadsheet. In that spreadsheet you define your directory structure—such as tabs and optional groups—and enter each person’s information including name, title, contact details, and profile links. Once complete, the spreadsheet is exported as a CSV file.

Second, the CSV dataset is uploaded to your site and processed using the People Directory Utility inside Modern Campus CMS. The utility converts the spreadsheet data into an XML dataset that the People Directory component reads. When you insert the component onto a page, it automatically displays the people in the structure defined in your spreadsheet.

This approach makes directories much easier to maintain. Instead of editing multiple pages, you update the spreadsheet, rebuild the dataset, and publish the results.

 

How the Process Works

Creating a People Directory involves two articles that walk through each stage of the workflow.

Part 1: Preparing the Spreadsheet Dataset

This article explains how to copy the master People Component Datasource spreadsheet, configure optional tabs and groups, enter directory information, and export the CSV dataset that powers the directory.

View People Directory Spreadsheet Tutorial

 

Part 2: Building and Publishing the Directory

This article explains how to upload your people photos, create the utility files in your site, upload the CSV dataset, rebuild the directory XML, and insert the People Directory component onto a page.

Together, these two steps create a maintainable, scalable directory that can easily be updated whenever people join, leave, or change roles.

View Building and Publishing Directory Tutorial

 

When to Use

Use the People Directory Utility when:

  • You need to display a structured list of people such as faculty, staff, leadership, or team members.
  • Your directory needs to be organized into clear sections, such as tabs or groups.
  • You want an easy way to maintain a directory by updating a spreadsheet instead of editing individual pages.
  • Your directory will change over time and needs a scalable way to add, remove, or update people.


Avoid this Utility if:

  • You only need to display one or two people (use a standard content block or profile component instead).

 

Demo (Best in Full or Boxed Width Pages)

Executive Team

 

Troubleshooting & FAQs

The default directory image names should be at least 500x500 in size and use the firstname-lastname.jpg naming convention. They must be uploaded to the correct folder (_images > people) and published to display on the live site. If you want to use a different naming convention or filetype that is not .jpg, use the custom image path column in the people spreadsheet.

Make sure your images are in JPG format and use the firstname-lastname.jpg naming convention (example: john-doe.jpg). Also make sure your images are published.

No. If you leave the tab and group columns blank for every person, the directory will render as a single list.

Most commonly: at least one person row has tab blank while other rows have a tab selected. Tabs are “all-or-nothing.”

Most commonly: at least one person row has group blank while other rows have a group selected. Groups are “all-or-nothing.”

  1. Clear the values in tab-list and/or group-list (remove demo items).
  2. Clear the tab and group columns for all person rows on the Data Sheet.