Building a Library GIS Service from the Ground Up

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) services in academic libraries tend to differ, based on availability of GIS data, software, hardware, and staff expertise. GIS services at the University of Kansas are closely aligned with support for government information, data, maps, and statistics. Thus, our responses to users’ needs are often naturally collaborative, optimizing the expertise of multiple staff members and various types of resources. The GIS and Data Specialist assists campus researchers with spatial data and software, as well as facilitating access to GIS data. Lab space for research and coursework involving spatial data is a core component of GIS services. In addition, various levels and types of GIS workshops are offered each semester, and custom training sessions are also available. “Word of mouth” and hands-on workshops are some of the most effective methods of outreach. Introduction This article describes the development, current profi le, and future directions of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) services at the University of Kansas (KU) Libraries. The intended audience of the article has at least a basic understanding of GIS and related terminology. Academic libraries considering implementing new GIS services or evaluating existing services may fi nd this article helpful. KU Libraries supports 25,000 students and 1,300 faculty with academic and research resources. Library collections consist of approximately 3.7 million volumes and 33,000 current serial titles, housed in six facilities in Lawrence and one in Kansas City. LIBRARY TRENDS, Vol. 55, No. 2, Fall 2006 (“Geographic Information Systems and Libraries,” edited by Jaime Stoltenberg and Abraham Parrish), pp. 315–326 © 2006 The Board of Trustees, University of Illinois KU Libraries, Information Technology, and the Policy Research Institute founded a new committee several years ago called the Academic Data Research Services Alliance (ADRSA).1 Members assist the campus research community with data identifi cation, access, and analysis. ADRSA was instrumental in establishing the Library Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Data Lab and in creating the GIS and Data Specialist position (hereafter referred to as GIS Specialist). GIS and Data Services is a transparent network of ADRSA partners and associated staff, which pulls from the expertise of staff in maps, data, GIS, government information, and statistics. GIS and Data Lab The GIS Specialist supports GIS-related coursework, research, and teaching at KU. Prior to such assistance being formally available, the T. R. Smith Map Collection (henceforth referred to as the Map Collection) provided basic assistance with GIS. The GIS and Data Lab (or Lab) provides a quiet working environment for individuals or groups and it includes space for use of GIS and statistical workstations, laptop use, and research design and discussion.2 The Lab was initially located in the rear of a meeting room on a lower fl oor of the library, with two statistical workstations set up for social science data users. Use was low, perhaps due to minimal resources and staff support and the limitations of appointment-only use. In 2002 the Lab was moved to a room next to the Map Collection, which also contained offi ces for the Map Librarian and new GIS Specialist. Users had relatively easy access to staff, and staff could easily monitor the Lab. These staff offi ces were moved to a space behind the Lab in 2004, coinciding with initial integration of the campus statistics lab with the GIS and Data Lab. These moves added workspace and resources in the lab and grouped staff offi ces, but they also removed staff from the immediate Lab area. A new doorway was created to directly connect and improve communication between Lab users and support staff. Workstations now have log-ons for user authentication that are consistent with other public machines in the libraries and standardized images, such that all computers are loaded with the same basic set of programs. This profi le is more secure, easier to maintain, and gives users uniformity. Users have dedicated network space for storage of data and related fi les. Due to the merger of these two labs, users now benefi t from extensive spatial and statistical resources and a wider range of staff expertise available in the same location. The GIS and Data Lab is generally open sixty hours per week for walk-in use and for scheduled consultations with on-site staff. Full-time staff that support users in various capacities include a GIS Specialist, Map Librarian, Data and Government Information Librarian, and Statistical Consultant. Seven powerful workstations are loaded with major GIS and statistical applications, such as ArcGIS and ArcView, SAS, SPSS, and other programs used in conjunction with GIS software, such as Excel and PhotoShop.3 Lab 316 library trends/fall 2006