Can Geographic Coordinates in the Catalog Record Be Useful?

摘要

Prior to the automation of library catalogs, searching by geographic coordinates was conducted using index maps. The Library of Congress has recently made it a requirement to include geographic coordinates in library catalog records despite the inability of many automated catalogs to search for coordinates. However, emerging technologies can make the addition of geographic coordinate data useful and enhance the ability to access geographic information via different arenas outside the library. One of the most useful applications of geographic coordinates in library catalog records is the ability to create a geographic search interface.