Introduction to Spatial Literacy and Online Mapping
Next Session: January 30 - February 19, 2012

http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/rusa/development/spatialliteracy/index.cfm

Course Objectives and Description

Since the emergence of dynamic and easily accessible online mapping
tools, there has been a drastic increase in geographic interest and
awareness. Whether for personal, social, professional or academic use,
people are using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to
communicate information in a map format. Whether it’s using Google Earth
to study urban change, or creating Google Map Mashups to show cemetery
locations, more and more members of society are turning to online
mapping programs for their visualization needs. With so many using GIS
technology in their daily lives, it is time to train librarians to not
only assist library clients with their inquiries, but to use the
technology themselves.

This three week course will introduce students and library staff to a
variety of mapping tools and GIS technologies that are of interest to
both public and academic library users. Librarians will be able to apply
their newly developed Web 2.0 mapping skills in their reference work,
and liaison responsibilities. Through hands-on exercises, demonstrations
and presentations, the librarian will receive a thorough overview of
GIS-related technologies that they may be exposed to in the library.

Examples of topics include geographic literacy, GIS, online mapping
(Google Earth, Google Maps, etc). The course will include:

     Online lessons – 2 hours a week
     Two Assignments
     Two Tutorials
     One Discussion Question