Mapping the Inside of a Collection

ArcGIS as Content Analysis Tool

Abstract

This article explores the potential of geospatial visualizations of subject matter content in urban planning books at the University of Illinois Chicago.  Using ArcGIS, the visualizations explore gaps in the collection and provide analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the collection and explore the collection at different levels.  The analysis is then used to create ordering and weeding priorities and highlight parts of the collection.  Overall, the study finds weaknesses in metadata standards do create limitations, but the visualizations make comprehensible many aspects of the collection that can drive collection development decisions.