Nancy Sprague

GIS and census data: tools for library planning

Purpose – This article seeks to demonstrate a technique for using a Geographic Information System (GIS) to analyze US Census data to better understand potential library users and improve library service planning.Design/methodology/approach – A GIS was used to link variables such as age, race, income, and education from the 2000 US Census with service area maps of two proposed branch libraries. Thematic maps were created for each of the census variables to display demographic information about potential library users within a three‐mile radius of the proposed libraries.Findings – The GIS maps and their associated attribute data enhanced the ability to analyze and compare the demographics of potential users in the two library areas and identify significant differences. The data on age, race, education and income for residents in the two areas were combined with known library use indicators to help plan library services with the potential to attract different populations in the local community.Originality/va...

Full-Text Databases and the Journal Cancellation Process

Sprague was Reference Librarian at the Kraemer Family Library. She is currently at Heriot-Watt University Library, Riccarton, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, Scotland; e-mail: n.sprague@hw.ac.uk. Chambers is Catalog/Archives Librarian, Kraemer Family Library, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, 1420 Austin Bluffs Parkway, P.O. Box 7150, Colorado Springs, CO 80933-7150; e-mail: mchamber@ mail.uccs.edu. Nancy Sprague and Mary Beth Chambers

Assessing e-books

Abstract In 2008 the University of Idaho Library conducted an in-depth analysis of our three major electronic book providers. Using spreadsheet and database applications, bibliographic data from our ILS was combined with usage statistics obtained from each platform. This technique produced a master sheet that allowed us to do subject analysis by LC classification, discover e-books that were not cataloged in our OPAC, and identify e-books supplied by more than one provider. The usage statistics show relatively low use across both subject areas and platforms. The discussion includes an analysis of subscription costs and recommendations for the reporting of e-book statistics.

What's In Your Aggregator?: Content, Currency, and Stability of Full-Text Databases

This paper highlights results of two full-text aggregator databases studies conducted a decade apart at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, Kraemer Family Library. The latter study reinforces what researchers learned in the first one, that journal content in the databases is not a reliable substitute for a library’s paid subscriptions. Acknowledging how the landscape of full-text content offerings is ever changing, the authors raise questions for future studies on the topic.