The St. Louis Public Library's Electronic Atlas: A successful GIS application in the public library environment

In 1974, the U.S. Census Bureau published a collection of thematic maps from the 1970 census. The maps found a wide audience during the decade. However, the bureau did not produce a companion set from either the 1 980 or 1 990 censuses. Other organizations have responded to the demands of data users with comparable products. Rather than producing a published set of thematic maps, the St. Louis Public Library (SLPL), with the Illinois State Data Center at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, decided to produce an electronic set of thematic maps using 1990 U.S. Census data. The St. Louis Public Library 's electronic atlas began with clearly defined goals, modest expenditures, and a wide range of community partnerships. As the electronic atlas enters its third year of operation, it is possible for the participants to discuss the components of a successful implementation of Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies in a public library environment.published or submitted for publicatio