Using Geographical Information System to visualise potential public library outlets

In serving a wide range of geographically dispersed users, librarians need to analyse distance and physical accessibility of public library to ascertain that the community at large has an equal right to utilise in-house library resources. The objectives of this paper were twofold; (a) to analyse patron distance to Petaling Jaya Community Library network. (b) To determine potential library locations to better serve existing library patrons. Geographical Information System (GIS) was used in this study to map users´ addresses retrieved from the library system. It was recorded that a majority of the library users live within 1-3 miles from the library. Strategic areas for branch, mobile or library outlets were pictured accordingly. This study aids Library and Information Science (LIS) researchers to utilise GIS as a strategic tool in spatial-related matters.