Using Geographic Information Systems to Analyze Library Utilization

Geographic information systems can be effectively employed to analyze patterns of library utilization in public libraries with multiple branches. This article describes geographic information systems and the assembly of data for analysis for the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library. Examples of...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Library quarterly (Chicago) 1997-01, Vol.67 (1), p.24-49
Main Author: Ottensmann, John R.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Branch Libraries
Census tracts
Censuses
Data Analysis
Exact sciences and technology
Geographic Information Systems
Indianapolis Marion County Public Library IN
Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library, Indiana
Information and communication sciences
Information science. Documentation
Libraries
Library and information science. General aspects
Library circulation
Library Materials
Library operations
Library Services
Map libraries
Public Libraries
Sciences and techniques of general use
Use
Use and user studies. Information needs
Use Studies
Users (Information)
Citations: Items that cite this one
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Description
Summary:Geographic information systems can be effectively employed to analyze patterns of library utilization in public libraries with multiple branches. This article describes geographic information systems and the assembly of data for analysis for the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library. Examples of possible analyses are presented: the distribution of library patrons, the determination of distances patrons travel to use libraries, the identification of branch library service areas and the characteristics of the populations served, the determination of the numbers of patrons served and the analysis of prospective new library locations, and the distribution of the use of types of materials by library patrons.
ISSN:0024-2519
1549-652X
DOI:10.1086/629909