Bradley Wade Bishop
Assistant Professor
School of Library and Information Science
University of Kentucky
352 Little Library Building
Lexington, KY 40506-0224
Telephone 859.257.3970
E-mail: wade.bishop@uky.edu
Lauren H. Mandel
Research Coordinator
Information Use Management & Policy Institute
010 Louis Shores Building
142 Collegiate Loop
P.O. Box 3062100
Tallahassee, FL 32306-2100
Telephone 850.645.5683
E-mail: lmandel@fsu.edu
Charles R. McClure
Frances Eppes Professor, and Director
Information Use Management & Policy Institute
010 Louis Shores Building
142 Collegiate Loop
P.O. Box 3062100
Tallahassee, FL 32306-2100
Telephone 850.645.5683
E-mail: cmcclure@lis.fsu.edu
This paper details three projects utilizing geographic information systems (GIS) in the assessment of public libraries. The benefits of GIS include the abilities to generate maps to convey more information than through other means and to allow for spatial analysis of library services. This paper includes specific examples of uses implemented by the authors. GIS allowed the authors to display data related to library service and identify various disparities across service areas. In addition, this paper discusses practical issues of GIS for library researchers and practitioners based upon the knowledge gained through the development of the three GIS projects discussed here.
Cite: Bishop, B. W., Mandel, L. H. & McClure, C. R. (2011). Geographic information systems (GIS) in public library assessment. LIBRES, 21(1), 1‑18. https://doi.org/10.32655/LIBRES.2011.1.1