Geographic Information Systems in Library Reference Services

Summary

This paper introduces Geographic Information Systems (GIS) user services in libraries. It presents the concept and functions of GIS and compares the use of GIS with library map collections. GIS project in libraries are reviewed. Different kinds of GIS user services are examined. The article looks into the challenges in adding GIS to user services in libraries. User access to GIS in libraries is discussed. It argues that simplified user interfaces and multiple levels of usage are important to improve user access to GIS.     

GIS in Academic Business Libraries

Abstract

Geospatially referenced data is gaining popularity as a format for primary data in business, but few business libraries offer GIS services. This paper can be used as a guide for business librarians seeking to implement GIS services for patrons. First, a brief introduction to GIS is presented. Then, major implementation issues are highlighted and literature sources are presented for each. Discussions include the incorporation of GIS education into business curricula, GIS software choices, and WWW sources of geospatially referenced data sets and information. Finally, suggested readings are included in the appendix.     

GIS and the humanities: Presenting a path to digital scholarship with the Story Map app

ABSTRACT

Working collaboratively, a scholarly resources librarian and a subject liaison librarian at a small, public liberal arts college have created a GIS story mapping workshop for fellow information professionals. Using GIS, the librarians are bridging the gap between humanities and sciences in a liberal arts environment. The librarians' experience of being introduced to GIS and creating training for others enabled them to support their library's data services and digital scholarship initiatives. By helping connect the humanities with science and technology using story maps, librarians can create a neutral environment for learners to conduct interdisciplinary research and develop spatial literacy.     

Reference Sources on the Internet

Abstract

Many web sites on the Internet are useful in helping answer reference questions in geography and international studies. This paper describes web sites which provide maps, gazetteers and country information. Also included are web guides which collect and organize numerous links to geographical and international sites.     

Embracing GIS Services in Libraries

Summary

As a land-grant research university without a geography or cartography department, Washington State University Libraries present a unique organizational context for the adoption of GIS services. The authors consider the implementation of GIS services at the Washington State University Libraries, particularly at the Holland/New Library, which originated from an ARL/GIS Literacy Grant in 1992. The authors cover the following topics in the development of the service: Historical Background, System Architecture, Project Issues and Service Provision, Reference Services Policies, Current Implementation and Related Campus-Wide Issues, and Future Agenda. The services offered were essentially at a minimum level, that is, only providing limited access to government and commercial geospatial data using Arc View and Landview software. The approach to GIS in reference work has been to view it as a specialized service within a standard reference framework very similar to the computer-mediated searching programs of the past. Future plans for GIS services include shifting from a single desktop workstation to a system-wide network access to spatial data and maintaining a centralized repository for all spatial data whether purchased commercially or developed in-house.     

Public Library Use of Geographic Information Systems in the United States

Abstract

Public libraries are a source of information and resources for the local community, they also play a role in the use of technologies such as geographic information systems (GIS) in that regard. GIS uses maps as output mediums for displaying demographic or similar information, as well as for spatial comparison or spatially based analysis. This is useful for gaining knowledge as well as for decision making. This article reports research into the awareness and use of GIS-type systems in public library settings in hopes of better understanding the benefits, drawbacks, and limitations to use of systems such as these. Primary findings suggest that there continues to exist limited understanding of the capabilities of GIS technology in public libraries and therefore very little demand for it exists in public librarians and patrons alike.     

Essential Collaboration

Abstract

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as part of the academic library is central on the campus and succeeds with collaboration—in the library, across campus, in the community and region, throughout the state, and at the national level. The integrated components of GIS—hardware, software, data, people, and methods—provide a framework for collaboration. Initiated in 2001, the Geographic Information Systems & Maps Program at the University of Arkansas (UA) Libraries resulted from and developed through collaborative opportunities. The program, which is primarily web based, incorporates locally developed yet nationally recognized resources including Starting the Hunt—a guide to geospatial data on the Web—and GeoStor—a statewide, comprehensive and seamless geospatial data warehouse and delivery system. A model incorporating spheres of collaboration describes the nature and benefits of collaboration at the five different levels, as experienced in the UA Libraries. The model can guide other libraries proactively seeking opportunities of collaboration, in order to develop resources and services for a successful GIS program.     

Library-Based GIS Labs

Abstract

Increased use of geographic information systems on college and university campuses has prompted libraries to ask the question: Where and how can libraries fulfill these digital needs? This paper describes the actions taken by the Syracuse University Library to implement GIS and geo-spatial data services to the University community. Discussion will focus on the planning, administration, public services, collection development, and management issues pertaining to a networked multi-Station GIS lab.     

Digital Democratic Voices: Intersecting Student Research,Twitter, and Presidential Debates

Courses: Mass Communication and Public Opinion, Political Communication

Objectives: Often, there are media events (e.g., local and national elections, the Super Bowl) that match up with what we hope to accomplish in a particular class. The purpose of this semester-length project for students was threefold: (1) to read and comprehend literature related to communication studies, media, and political strategy; (2) to collect and analyze data; and (3) to participate in civic engagement by taking part in Presidential DebateWatch events, both as an audience member and through the use of Twitter.     

Information Literacy for GIS Curricula

Abstract

Undergraduate GIS courses, regardless of parent department, frequently follow similar formats culminating with long-term, self-directed ‘capstone’ projects. Instructors usually acquire data for students, rather than having the students search for information from online repositories or campus libraries. While on the library side of life, librarian-led classroom sessions are unsatisfying for students and librarians, chiefly due to a lack of connection to important research-based assignments. A model is presented herein to train instructors to include information literacy components into courses, thereby increasing students' ability to work independently.     

Data Collection System for Tracking Hospital Librarians’ Productivity

Abstract

Librarians gather data on multiple aspects of their work. Much of the data collection revolves around the library’s resources, but what may be passed over during this data collection is information on how librarians are expending their time and effort. A group of librarians from a community hospital system designed a Microsoft Access database to collect such data and has been recording librarians’ efforts for more than three years. The librarians use the data in annual reports and can track trends to evaluate service priorities and maximize effective use of the librarians’ time.     

Iltimos,bizga kitoblar yuboring! U.S. Libraries' Collecting Strategies for Central Asian Publications

SUMMARY

There are between fifteen and twenty U.S. libraries that collect publications from Central Asia, defined here as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Collection development responsibility for these countries tends to rest with the Slavic selector, the Middle East selector, or both, divided by language. Vendors who can supply this material mostly also supply publications from other countries of the former Soviet Union. The author briefly discusses the history of collecting from this region and the results of a survey conducted in 2004. She presents evidence indicating that the main reason U.S. libraries are not receiving more books from the region is most likely because they are not being published, not because vendors are doing an inadequate job.     

Data Warehouse Integrates Toxic Inhalation Hazards and Hazardous Materials Information,GIS, and the Intranet

ABSTRACT

A data warehouse, developed for United States Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration (USDOE/NNSA) Pantex Plant in a multi-department collaboration, brings data from disparate datasets and spatial information about the site together into a single database accessible through an intranet web page or ArcGIS software. The web page directs queries of buildings, facilities, and areas through a Geographic Information System (GIS) viewer that displays spatial site information and chemical hazards data. The Spatial Database Engine (ArcSDE) provides the vehicle for linking mainframe datasets, downloaded daily, to current spatial information about buildings and facilities that store chemicals of potential concern to firefighters and other emergency responders. The system is available to the plant's shift supervisors and individual GIS users throughout the department.     

Public Health GIS and the Internet

Abstract

Internet access and use of georeferenced public health information for GIS application will be an important and exciting development for the nation's Department of Health and Human Services and other health agencies in this new millennium. Technological progress towards public health geospatial data integration, analysis, and visualization of space-time events using the Web portends eventual robust use of GIS by public health and other sectors of the economy. Increasing Web resources from distributed spatial data portals and global geospatial libraries, and a growing suite of Web integration tools, will provide new opportunities to advance disease surveillance, control and prevention, and insure public access and community empowerment in public health decision making. Emerging supercomputing, data mining, and compression and transmission technologies will play increasingly critical roles in national emergency, catastrophic planning and response, and risk management. Web-enabled public health GIS will be guided by Federal Geographic Data Committee spatial metadata, OpenGIS Web interoperability, and GML/XML geospatial Web content standards. Public health will become a responsive and integral part of rhe National Spatial Data Infrastructure.     

Using Survey Sites for Information Literacy Scheduling and Teaching

ABSTRACT

Active Information Literacy (IL) programs require scheduling management to ensure that librarians have adequate time to prepare, and that computers and classrooms are available. Collecting this information from busy faculty members can be time consuming. Internet survey sites can be used to collect the required information. These sites allow a library's IL staff to structure a questionnaire that elicits all of the information (instructor contact information, discipline, desired dates, times, number of students, and session topics) required to design instruction and schedule busy classrooms. doi:10.1300/J106v14n03_07     

Geospatial Products and Techniques at the Center for Transportation Analysis

ABSTRACT

This paper highlights geospatial science-related innovations and developments conducted by the Center for Transportation Analysis (CTA) at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. CTA researchers have been developing integrated inter-modal transportation solutions through innovative and cost-effective research and development for many years.

Specifically, this paper profiles CTA-developed Geographic Information System (GIS) products that are publicly available. Examples of these GIS-related products include: the CTA Transportation Networks; GeoFreight system; and the Web-based Multi-Modal Routing Analysis System. In addition, an application on assessment of railroad hazmat routing alternatives is also discussed.