Agent-based geographical modeling of public library locations

doi:10.1016/j.lisr.2020.101013

Library & Information Science Research

Volume 42, Issue 2, April 2020, 101013

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lisr.2020.101013 Get rights and content

Under a Creative Commons license

open access

Highlights

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Agent based geographical modeling (ABGM) is a promising research method in the field of library and information science.
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ABGM is a heuristic method for the analysis of the accessibility when exploring demographic data of potential users.
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ABGM supports the identification of underserved areas and searching for the best (re)locations sites for libraries.
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ABGM results deepen the knowledge of potential library users.
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Library administrators can use ABGM results in everyday decision-making and planning of the public library network.

Abstract

Public libraries play a vital role in providing information, education, and cultural activities to local populations. Digitization and the Internet have changed the traditional functions of public libraries and caused them to become more community-centered and offer more diverse services. Agent-based geographical modeling is a method for simulating complex urban environments using heuristic and approximated algorithms. The agent model for public libraries developed for this study demonstrates the possibilities for analyzing accessibility, exploring demographic data of potential users, finding underserved areas, and searching for the best locations or relocation sites for libraries. This model has been implemented and tested using the entire public library network of Slovenia. Results suggest that agent-based geographical modeling is a promising method for research in the field of library and information science.

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Franc J. Zakrajšek is a senior researcher in the Urban Planning Institute of the Republic of Slovenia. He holds a BSc in mathematics; his research focuses on developing urban simulation systems, spatial demography, and digital libraries. He developed and implemented many geosimulation models, geographical information systems, cultural heritage portals, e-urban planning, and public participation tools at local, national, and international levels. His research has been published in numerous reports and publications as are Communications in Computer and Information Science, IEEE Xplore, Lecture Notes in Computer Science and Uncommon Culture.

Vlasta Vodeb is a researcher in the Urban Planning Institute of the Republic of Slovenia. She received her PhD in sociology from the University of Ljubljana. Her research includes social aspects of urban planning, especially accessibility, demography, and gender mainstreaming. She is the author of several publications on accessibility and cultural heritage published in the Journal of Library Administration and Lecture Notes in Computer Science.