Document Type
Presentation
Publication Date
8-4-2014
Presented at:
2014 ARL Assess conference in Seattle.
Abstract
This poster presents two methods for using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to assist in data driven facilities management, with a primary focus on space planning and use. One method focuses on using GIS to analyze new book additions to the collection and their relationship to existing storage capacity. By treating each shelving range like a street, and each book like an address, the added books can be plotted on the range. This allows for a convenient visual analysis of the spatial growth of new books. GIS is also used to represent the remaining storage capacity of each section within a range. Measuring and color coding this capacity at a granular level allows for a detailed inventory of open shelving space within the library and can assist with future decisions regarding book shifts. Combining the new book layer with the shelving capacity illustrates areas that are "hot spots" within the library. These are areas that are experiencing high levels of growth and little remaining space. Pinpointing these hot spots allows for better informed decision making when shifting books or adding shelving capacity. This data was collected and analyzed between January and April 2014. The second method utilizes GIS to map patron distribution in the library by using connections to wireless access points as a proxy for patron counts. While less accurate than observational data collection (there will be over counts for patrons with multiple devices and under counts for patrons with no devices), this method allows for the automated collection of data for analysis of patron distribution. Understanding patron distribution can assist in determining computer placement, furniture and infrastructure upgrades, and even security concerns. This data was gathered over three 24 hour periods between January and April 2014 and analyzed in May/June 2014.