Abstract:
Information systems play a major part in the planning and development of library services. Geographic
Information System (GIS) is one of the most important computer-based information technology
tool for spatial planning, which is widely used for planning and managing databases. The
GIS-based library system provides each book of the library with its location details and then complete
bibliographical data can be linked to the floor maps through location codes. If the GIS based
library system (LibGIS) is applied, the search results include not only the text information about
the book’s location but also a visual map. LibGIS system would be able to show the simulated view
of the library floors and the book location on the computer screen. Also, it could enhance the efficiency
of the OPAC. The general objective of the study is to identify and explore the possibilities of
using GIS in library services. The study population was consisted of a total number of 5286 students
in the selected state university. A sample of 361 students was stratified randomly selected
from the study population based on the recommendations on sample size by Krejcie and Morgan.
The data collection methods use an online questionnaire survey using Google forms. This study
was mainly based on GIS 3D maps, Correlation analysis and Factor analysis. Thematic & 3D maps,
tables and graphs were employed in data visualizing. To find out the readiness to the adoption of
the LibGIS system, Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) was used. According to the results readiness
to adopt of LibGIS system positively correlated with organizational, technological, perceived
ease of use, and perceived usefulness factors. The organizational factor was the most important
and it was near perfect (0.966) positive relationship. Factor analysis was done by identifying factors
for association with the LibGIS system. Using this analysis, six main factors related to the
LibGIS system were identified. The system could be used to answer any queries related to finding
the location of specific library materials and thus could provide a location-based inventory management
tool.
