GIS and census data: tools for library planning

Abstract

Purpose -This article seeks to demonstrate a technique for using a Geographic Information System (GIS) to analyze US Census data to better understand potential library users and improve library service planning. Design/methodology/approach -A GIS was used to link variables such as age, race, income, and education from the 2000 US Census with service area maps of two proposed branch libraries. Thematic maps were created for each of the census variables to display demographic information about potential library users within a three-mile radius of the proposed libraries.Findings -The GIS maps and their associated attribute data enhanced the ability to analyze and compare the demographics of potential users in the two library areas and identify significant differences. The data on age, race, education and income for residents in the two areas were combined with known library use indicators to help plan library services with the potential to attract different populations in the local community. Originality/value -Provides practical information about downloading US Census data into a GIS to be able to present demographic data about potential library users both visually and quantitatively.

Spatial Analysis of the Public Library Network in Slovenia

“…Adkins and Sturges present a case study of the Phoenix, Arizona public library system where they demostrated the use of census information with GIS software for collection development, staffing, outreach, and service hours (Adkins &Sturges, 2004). Hertel and Sprague (2007) similary elaborated a study on East and West branch libraries in Boise, Idaho and demonstrated the usability of GIS to analyze US Census data to better understand potential library users and improve the library service plans on and for new library site selection.…”

Sistemas de información geográfica para unidades de información

“…Sin embargo, la mayor parte de los trabajos revisados en este artículo recogen aplicaciones para la visualización de datos bibliotecarios que ayudan a la toma de decisiones sobre la apertura, cierre o reubicación de bibliotecas (Preiser;Wang, 2006;Hertel;Sprague, 2007;Venuda, 2005). Mediante los códigos postales (o direcciones) de los usuarios, se puede utilizar un GIS para situar o eliminar nuevos centros bibliotecarios considerando la proximidad de estos servicios a los usuarios reales o potenciales, o incluso averiguando el nivel de solapamiento con la red de bibliotecas existente (Coyle, 2011).…”

“…Muchas bibliotecas americanas emprendieron estudios sobre los usos y beneficios de dichos datos, llegando muchas a mejorar sus servicios de marketing mediante, por ejemplo, estudios demográficos de mercado o de demanda. Los GIS atrajeron inmediatamente la atención como herramientas especializadas en la creación de capas temáticas de datos demográficos visualizadas sobre mapas (Hertel;Sprague, 2007). Destaca el caso de The Public Library Geographic Database 5 (Koontz et al, 2004) que recoge datos de 17.000 bibliotecas públicas de Estados Unidos, en combinación con datos del censo.…”

“…En especial, los registros socio-económicos y demográficos de la población pueden ser útiles para segmentar un mercado y ofrecer un mejor servicio, o para compartir experiencias con otras unidades de información que den servicios a grupos demográficos similares (Hertel;Sprague, 2007). Los GIS solos o combinados abren las puertas a numerosas formas de representar los datos de las unidades de información.…”

Exploring the potential for geographical knowledge systems in upgrading informal settlements in Cape Town

“…Theissen polygons, also known as vonoroi polygons are often used in accessibility studies (Brabyn & Skelly, 2002;Kwan & Weber, 2008). The suitability of Theissen polygons in identifying closest service providers to specific locations has resulted in it being applied in educational services such as determining accessibility to libraries (Park, 2012;Hertel & Sprague, 2007;Kinikin, 2004). Park (2012) carried out a study to assess physical accessibility of library.…”