Geospatial data in library collections

Abstract

While several surveys and studies focus on developing GIS services in libraries, however, there is no recent research concerning the data that academic libraries organize and offer to their users. This study tries to cover this gap, as we examine the types and forms of digital geospatial data held by academic libraries worldwide, after an investigation carried out to their web pages during June-August 2011. Among the 331 researched libraries only 136 were found providing GIS services while 24 of them had geospatial collection development policies. The results of this exploratory study indicate an overwhelming acceptance of various sources (e.g. digital maps, spatial data, remote sending files, statistical data, satellite images etc) and formats in academic libraries derived from public and commercial sector, without free and open data being excluded. Furthermore, the specific kinds of collections are related to the provided services, and enhance added value services in academic libraries.