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II. Core Competencies for GIS Librarianship

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Last link verification: March 21, 2026

II.A. Organizational Management

II.A.1. Management

Strategic Planning

Project Management

Fiscal Management

Fundraising

II.A.2. Marketing and Outreach

Communications and Event Planning

II.B. Resource Management

II.B.1. Data Discovery and Acquisition [Priority: High] (Score: 3.59)

Knowledge of spatial data resources

Knowledge of datums, projections, and coordinate systems

Knowledge of spatial metadata standards

Competence in building spatial data discovery tools appropriate to the organization

II.B.2. Data Creation and Transformation (Score: 3.24)

Knowledge of map digitization and georeferencing

Knowledge and ability to transform acquired geospatial data to formats desired by researchers

Ability to perform advanced spatial and geoprocessing activities

II.B.3. Data Management [Priority: High] (Score: 3.59)

Ability to develop and organize a GIS data collection

Ability to assess a GIS data collection

Ability to create a data portal to enable users to locate data in the collection

Understanding of digital preservation methods and techniques

II.B.4. Information Technology

Current knowledge of system requirements for GIS

II.B.5. Technological Infrastructure and Facilities

Management

Hardware

Software

Policy

II.B.6. Online Geospatial Technologies (Score: 3.24)

Understanding of web services and their use as data sources for online and desktop platforms

Ability to teach people how to use cloud-based GIS tools

Ability to manage organizational subscriptions and licensing

Knowledge of GIS server technology

Operation of large format scanners and printers

Ability to organize data in tabular format

Knowledge of GPS (global positioning systems) technologies

Ability to assist patrons in collecting, downloading and utilizing GPS data in a GIS

Knowledge of statistics & data visualization

Knowledge of computer programming

Ability to create scripts for batch processing, data ingestion, web services, digital library creation and integration, and other geo-processing applications

II.C. Information Services

II.C.1. Reference

Knowledge of resources for learning about GIS and using GIS software

Working knowledge of multiple GIS technologies including open-source and commercial products

Knowledge of GIS applications specific to an industry or discipline

II.C.2. Instruction

Ability to develop and deliver formal introductory GIS instruction sessions and/or workshops

Ability to build online guides and tutorials

Ability to conduct one-on-one consultations

Knowledge of instruction options and ability to manage and facilitate access to commercial options for instruction

II.C.3. Research Consultation

Working knowledge of GIS project planning and implementation including data organization

Working knowledge of data management planning and issues of long term data preservation

Knowledge of data preservation standards

Ability to provide guidance on creating data management plans as appropriate

Ability to provide guidance to researchers on best practices of geospatial data management through workshops, videos and consultations

Note on Resources: Technical links utilize the UCGIS “Living Textbook” platform. If a link fails, use the bracketed Topic Code (e.g., [CV-03-006]) in the BoK Search Tool.