Spatial Data and the Digital Library

As geographic information technologies develop and gain new and often non-traditional users, librarians are working to develop services and collections to meet their needs. Acquiring, managing, describing, and distributing information are traditional library functions that must be adapted for spatial data. The heavy toll on libraries, in terms of budgetary and staff resources, however, make service and collection decisions difficult. With assistance, spatial data services in libraries can grow to complement and aid the GIS user community. This article discusses collecting spatial data, partnering with GIS professionals, and implementing GIS services within the library.