A new decade of uses for geographic information systems (GIS) as a tool to research, measure and analyze library services

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore library research that uses geographic information systems (GIS) as a tool to evaluate library services and resources to ascertain current trends and establish future directions for this growing research area.Design/methodology/approachThe study searched full text for geographic information systems in two databases: Library and Information Science Source (LISS) and Library, Information Science and Technology Abstracts (LISTA), replicating the method used in a prior literature review. The titles and abstracts of the search results were analyzed to gather only the research that used GIS as a tool to measure and analyze library services.FindingsThis study found growth in the last decade for library research using GIS. There remain two ways the tool is primarily used: to analyze service areas and to manage facilities and collections.Practical implicationsThe findings are relevant for library and information science researchers and practitioners because they summarize a specific area of research that has grown and changed and that still has potential to be used more widely. Using GIS in practice and research could benefit all library users and nonusers because spatial analysis facilitates more precise and informed delivery of services and resources.Originality/valueThe paper provides future directions for use of GIS in library research and attempts to define subdivisions within this research area to clarify the area for researchers and practitioners.

Documenting social justice in library and information science research: a literature review

“…An analysis of what has been contributed indicates trajectories of where it appears to be headed, what opportunities exist to inform other research and what literature gaps exist and persist. Previous research has suggested that systematic literature reviews are helpful for identifying themes in an emerging area of the LIS discipline (Bishop and Mandel, 2010;Mandel et al, 2020). As such, this study conducts a literature review in order to address this literature gap for social justice in LIS by asking the following research questions:…”

Navigating urban complexity: The role of GIS in spatial planning and urban development

“…The technology also supports the planning of pedestrian-friendly spaces by analyzing foot traffic patterns and identifying areas that require improved pedestrian infrastructure, such as sidewalks, crossings, and public squares. Additionally, GIS tools aid in designing cycling networks by identifying the most suitable routes that ensure safety and connectivity for cyclists [3]. By providing a data-driven approach to traffic management, GIS helps in creating urban spaces that prioritize accessibility and minimize congestion, enhancing the overall quality of urban life.…”

Editorial: Advances in information and knowledge management

“…Mandel et al . (2023) analyzed geographic information systems (GIS) research in two databases, Library and Information Science Source (LISS) and Library Information Science and Technology Abstracts (LISTA), and found growth in the last decade for library research using GIS to analyze service areas and to manage facilities and collections.…”

“…Besides, readers may be interested in issues related to library promotion and marketing (Chan et al, 2020;Cheng et al, 2020;Fong et al, 2020;Kwan et al, 2023;Lam et al, 2019Lam et al, , 2023Liu et al, 2023;Sahli et al, 2023;W ojcik, 2022;Wu and Yang, 2022). Mandel et al (2023) analyzed geographic information systems (GIS) research in two databases, Library and Information Science Source (LISS) and Library Information Science and Technology Abstracts (LISTA), and found growth in the last decade for library research using GIS to analyze service areas and to manage facilities and collections. Readers may also be interested in other bibliometrics research and reviews on library-related subjects (Alcaraz Mart ınez et al, 2022;Borgohain et al, 2022;Nadi-Ravandi and Batooli, 2023;Ding et al, 2021a;Feng et al, 2022a;Kim et al, 2021;Lee, 2021;Nugroho et al, 2023;Nwankwo et al, 2022;Shahzad and Khan, 2022;Wijewickrema, 2023;Zhang et al, 2023b).…”