Towson University (Towson University, Center for Geographic Information Systems)

Towson University’s Center for GIS (CGIS), in partnership with the Eastern Shore Regional Library and Towson University’s Cook Library, will conduct a needs assessment and then develop, implement, and evaluate a geographic information system (GIS) for libraries. GIS promotes efficient, information-based organizational planning and analysis by spatially integrating datasets into graphic displays of relationships, patterns, and trends. CGIS will integrate raw data collected by Eastern Shore libraries with other datasets to create a map- and market-driven picture of library users and their preferences. The goal is to identify and offer more programs and services that are pertinent to more people. With the ability to visualize the relationships of disparate data sets, library administrators can understand better which services and resources address community needs.