Reference Services

Abstract

Geographers often define the spatial parameters of different environments by integrating diverse data sets with locational coordinates to create an attribute-rich digital geospatial dataset. From these datasets, researchers can observe and record phenomena and create new geographic metaphors in describing the geographic spaces of places, physical or virtual. One challenge for librarians is to be cognizant of not only the spatial extent of geospatial data, but to have the ability to interpret the socioeconomic milieu, which characterizes the attribute data and the environment in which it describes and to make it accessible for the user community. A second challenge is how to reinterpret traditional patron interactions in an increasingly online service environment and the best use of applications that must be used to “push” information to the patron. A third is how to market the library’s GIS services and resources to our patrons, both old and new.