THEMATIC MAPPING, DATA MAPPING, AND GEOCODING TECHNIQUES FOR ANALYZING LIBRARY AND INFORMATION-CENTER DATA

Methodologies based on computerized geographical information systems ( GIS) are appearing with regularity in the library and information scie nce literature and conference proceedings. This article illustrates an d discusses several specific GIS techniques available to LIS researche rs, administrators, planners, and instructors. These techniques includ e thematic mapping (shading, coloring, or using various sized symbols to indicate amount and type), data maps (positioning actual data on ma ps rather than on tables), and geocoding (positioning addresses obtain ed from various reference sources to specific points on a map). Maps a re used to illustrate the techniques recommended for more widespread u se among library and information researchers.