GIS as a supporting instrument for making decisions about the library sources collection management

Abstract

Purpose Nowadays, libraries are confronted with the growth of library collection, financial problems and lack of enough space. Hence, an organized and automatic system is needed to manage the sources collection. The purpose of the current study was using a GIS in managing the sources collection (systematic weeding, collection development and retrieving the extent of the sources loan) of the library to implement the system in a case sample and using the output maps for improving the status of managing the sources and contributing to make weeding more systematic and supplying the sources. Design/methodology/approach Combination of survey methods-descriptive design system was used. To gather the required data, the survey-descriptive method was used. To implement and enter the information and data into ArcGIS and analyze the data and display the results on the library floors maps, system designing was utilized. Finally, the proposed model was designed based on the exiting reality. Spatial database design and plan have been done at the Central Library of Tehran University. Findings The spatial database created in the study demonstrated that GIS has the potential for searching, displaying and presenting several reports considering the extent of the loan for each specific shelf on the map of the building and several halls of the library. Originality/value Thorough using the database for the extent of the loan and use of the sources in GIS and the potential for being updated and searching for spatial information, decisions related to managing the library sources collection including weeding, collection development and selection can be supported. The proposed model in the current study can be used in other libraries. Easy development and low cost for its implementation makes it applicable for all libraries.