Methods and Benefits of Georeferencing Library Collections

Abstract

ABSTRACT Purpose: Wide use of web mapping and online geolocation services have changed search models and users’ requirements for presentation, navigation and access to library collections, wherein the spatial retrieval with coordinates in the background is certainly one of the options. Methodology/approach: The contribution is based on the analysis and comparison of elements for formal georeferencing in MARC formats and metastandards for spatial data ISO 19115 and FGDC CSDMG as well as gazetteers for geographical names such as ADL Gazetteer Protocol, ADL Gazetteer Content Standard, Getty Thesaurus of Geographic Names and GeoNames for informal georeferencing. Results: Today‘s technology allowing connection of online library catalogs with online registers for geographical names and geographical forms, the general subject headings, Wikipedia and other sources of information can dramatically change not only the geographical information search and access to cartographic materilas in libraries, but also to library resources in general. Research limitation: Insufficient number of examples of how libraries take advantage of geographic names and geographic codes in bibliographic records. Originality/practical implications: Results of the study are useful for the development of library services based on georeferencing of bibliographic records.

Keywords

• georeferencing
• geospatial referencing
• informal georeferencing
• map collections
• library collections