Using policies for developing geospatial collections: Current situation in western world

Abstract

In the great number of articles written for the development of geospatial collections in the early years of the ARL GIS project, policies were always mentioned as a necessity. Nowadays that the tremendous disposal of geospatial data in digital format is having an impact on the way that libraries select or acquire those data along with the ongoing lower budgets, Map/GIS librarians have to reconsider the establishment of a well written policy text in order to effectively build and organize their geospatial collections. The paper has two goals: Firstly, to discuss the current situation in the use of geospatial collection development policies by Map/GIS librarians in the western world. Results of various researches will present not only the use of policies but also Map/GIS librarian’s and user’s opinion as well, for their impact in the library environment t and information seeking. Additionally, the basic characteristics of policy texts implemented in Map/GIS libraries of the western world will be outlined. The second aim of the study is to support the wide use of a common policy text by Map/GIS libraries in order not only to cover their user’s information needs but also to develop fruitful cooperations.