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Subject:        Sixth SPEC Kit of 2005: Spatial Data Collections and Services
Date:   Tue, 13 Dec 2005
From:   [log in to unmask]
To:     [log in to unmask]



fyi, from ARL




ARL Publishes SPEC Kit 291:
SPATIAL DATA COLLECTIONS AND SERVICES


This SPEC Kit examines how library patrons' use of spatial data has changed
since 1999 and what effect this has had on library staffing, collections,
budget, and services. The publication provides a snapshot of how ARL member
libraries are handling the challenges associated with spatial data 15 years
after geographic information systems (GIS) and digital mapping first
appeared on campus.


Of the 123 ARL member libraries surveyed, 72 (59%) responded. Only one
respondent indicated that her institution did not provide resources and
services to support spatial data research and scholarship. From 1999 to
2005, patron use of spatial data increased as did the number of locations
on campus that offer data and support services. Eighteen institutions
reported that spatial data collections are consolidated in one
location—either a map or the main library—but the majority (53 or 74%)
indicated that collections are dispersed across the institution, from the
library to academic department computer labs to designated GIS labs.


While patron use of spatial data resources increased from 1999 to 2005,
about 60% of respondents reported that the number of staff stayed the same;
20% to 30% reported a staffing increase and fewer than 20% reported a
decrease. Likewise, the budget for spatial data resources has remained
stable for 47% of the respondents; 38% reported a budget increase and 15%
reported a decrease. Staffing is the single largest budget item, followed
by the cost of print maps, digital data sets, and supplementary print
materials. Overall, ARL member libraries expect the growing demand for
spatial data support to continue and are planning ways to enhance their
collections and services to meet the demand.


This SPEC Kit includes documentation from respondents in the form of
organization charts, job descriptions, collection development policies, and
descriptions of services and resources.


The table of contents and executive summary from this SPEC Kit are
available online at http://www.arl.org/spec/SPEC291web.pdf.


ORDERING INFORMATION
SPEC Kit 291, Spatial Data Collections and Services
Joseph A. Salem, Jr. • December 2005 • ISBN 1-59407-695-2 • 141 pp. • $45
($35 ARL members)


Shipping and Handling
U.S.: UPS Ground, $10/publication
Canada: UPS Ground, $15/per publication
International and Rush Orders: Call (301) 362-8196 or e-mail [log in to unmask]
for quote.


Payment by check, money order, MasterCard, or Visa is accepted. Make check
or money order payable in U.S. funds to the Association of Research
Libraries, Federal ID #52-0784198-N.


Order from:


      ARL Publications Distribution Center
      P.O. Box 531
      Annapolis Junction, MD 20701-0531
      Phone: (301) 362-8196
      Fax: (301) 206-9789
      E-mail: [log in to unmask]
      Web: http://www.arl.org/pubscat/order/


SPEC KITS EXCHANGE INFORMATION
Designed to examine current research library practices and policies and
serve as resource guides for libraries as they face ever-changing
management problems, each SPEC Kit contains a summary analysis, survey
questions with tallies, pertinent documentation from participating
libraries, and a reading list and Web site references for further
information on the topic.


SUBSCRIBE TO SPEC!
2005 SPEC Kit subscription (ISSN 0160-3582): $205 ARL member/$275
nonmember, six issues per year, shipping included (additional postage may
apply outside North America).


2006 SPEC Kit subscription (ISSN 0160-3582): $210 ARL member/$280
nonmember, six issues per year, shipping included (additional postage may
apply outside North America).




:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Kaylyn Hipps
Editorial & Research Associate
Association of Research Libraries
21 Dupont Circle NW #800
Washington DC 20036
tel: 202.296.2296
fax: 202.872.0884
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

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