U.S. Government Information, Maps & GIS Services 4118 McKeldin Library College Park, MD 20742 govdocs@umd.edu Need assistance?Help is available at the Information and Research Services desk, 1st Floor, McKeldin Library, or by calling 301-405-9075. |
GIS Service Policy
Overview
U.S. Government Information, Maps & GIS Services unit, located on the fourth floor of McKeldin Library, provides access to government information, including geospatial data. Since the U.S. government is the largest provider of data that can be used in a GIS, it is our mission as a regional federal depository library to provide the UM community and members of the public with this data.
Patrons wishing to use a GIS should first have a clear idea of what they wish to have represented on a map. Although we are available to assist everyone, due to limited resources, priority for services will be given to UM-affiliated members. Otherwise, we offer our services on a first-come first-served basis. Please note that we do not complete student assignments, perform research for students, complete clerical work (such as extensive copying), or provide storage media.
GIS Services
Data
GIS datasets owned by McKeldin Library are either acquired through the Federal Depository Library Program or purchased commercially. A partial list of data is available at GIS Data in the Government Documents & Maps collection.
Data may be licensed and subject to restrictions on who may use it and how it may be used. UM Libraries provide patrons with public domain data and other data maintained under proper licensing arrangements.
Hardware and Software
The U.S. Government Information, Maps & GIS Services Computer Room (Room 4114, McKeldin Library) has two GIS workstations. Priority use of these machines is given to members of the UM community and patrons requiring use of GIS software. These workstations may be reserved for up to two hours at the discretion of the GIS/Maps Librarian (or his/her designee). A sign-up policy may be instituted if usage becomes heavy.
The GIS workstations are loaded with Internet browsers, select Microsoft applications, as well as ArcView 3.2 (with select extensions), ArcGIS Desktop 9.1, and ArcInfo workstation. Please see GIS Resources at U.S. Government Information, Maps & GIS Services for further information. The library provides the GIS workstations for advanced GIS use, while all of the workstations in the computer lab can view data through ArcExplorer, freeware software made by ESRI.
Saving Files and PrintingPatrons must supply and secure their own storage media (disks). We will not provide or hold storage media. Projects may be saved on the computers-after notifying the GIS/Maps Librarian-for a maximum of two weeks, unless additional time is approved. Any unauthorized items will be deleted at our discretion. The two workstations are connected to both a black and white and color pay-for-print station for 8½ x 11 printouts. We do not have the capability to make large reproductions.
Instruction
Consultation and Reference
Patrons wishing assistance with using data or creating maps should make an appointment with the GIS/Maps Librarian for individual assistance. While we will provide consultation, we will not complete projects for patrons. The Librarian will be available to provide data and other assistance manipulating, customizing, querying, displaying, and printing geographic and attribute data.
Workshops
The library provides workshops using ArcGIS Desktop 9.1. Current students, faculty, and staff have priority registration for these workshops. For more information and to register see the GIS workshop registration form.
Books
Additional information about GIS as well as software specific instruction can be found in a variety of GIS books in the Government Documents & Maps collection. These books can be used at the GIS workstations.
