USA Libraries
USA Public Libraries
Overview
The USA Public Libraries project enhances public library data in OpenStreetMap (OSM) by refining tags, improving metadata, and transitioning libraries from points to polygons.
Libraries are essential community hubs, and this effort ensures their accurate and comprehensive representation in OSM.
Objectives
1. Transition library points to polygons where they correspond to specific building footprints.
2. Standardize tagging for libraries, ensuring consistent and comprehensive metadata. (see operator:type documentation below)
3. Document and maintain an updated database of library attributes, such as names, operators, addresses, and hours.
4. Promote collaboration through MapRoulette challenges and other community mapping events.
Tagging Guidelines
Values
| Key | Value | Comment | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| operator:type | public | General local libraries funded primarily by city, county, or town taxes, with possible support from federal funding or private donors. | Southeast Regional Library:https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/331316105#map=19/30.248990/-81.539593 |
| operator:type | college | Libraries operated by a college, primarily serving students, faculty, and researchers, though some may offer public access. Includes community colleges. | Olin Library (part of Rollins College):https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/538790116#map=19/28.590978/-81.349203 |
| operator:type | university | Libraries operated by a university, primarily serving students, faculty, and researchers, though some may offer public access. | University of Miami School of Law Library: https://www.openstreetmap.org/node/367823516 |
| operator:type | school | Libraries serving elementary, middle, and high schools, primarily for students and faculty use. | Huizenga Library: https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/408049637 |
| operator:type | prison | Libraries located within correctional facilities, serving incarcerated individuals and facility staff. | Charlotte Correctional Institution Library: https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/317909393 |
| operator:type | government | Libraries operated directly by federal, state, or specialized government agencies, such as those on military bases, government research institutions, or legislative archives.
Note: Unlike |
Patrick Space Force Base Library: https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/1008151567 |
amenity=library --> Tag to identify a library.
Address Tags
- **`addr:housenumber=*`**
- **`addr:street=*`**
- **`addr:city=*`**
- **`addr:state=*`**
- **`addr:postcode=*`**
Additional Tags
- `website=` - Official library website.
- `phone=` - Contact phone number.
- `opening_hours=*` - Opening hours in OSM format.
- `wikidata=` - Corresponding Wikidata entry.
- `ref:isil=` - International Standard Identifier for Libraries, if available.
- `closed=permanently/temporarily` - Status of closure, with additional information in the `note=` tag.
- `name=`- The official name of the library
- `alt_name=` - Alternate name(s), if applicable.
- `operator=` - The entity operating the library (e.g., "Central Rappahannock Regional Library").
Mapping Guidelines
1. Determine the Geometry:
- Leave as node if the exact building footprint is unknown, and add a fixme request for locals to address. - Use polygon for libraries housed in specific buildings.
2. Transfer All Tags:
Move tags from points to polygons where applicable by:
- Select BOTH the point and the building using SHIFT + Click
- Press SHIFT+C to merge the node into the area with all tags.
3. Validate Data:
- Ensure the address and phone number tags are formatted correctly
States List - Public Libraries
The project is being implemented state-by-state. Below is a list of all states, along with their completion status and the number of points and polygons after the first validation phase:
| State | Status | Notes | Number of Polygons‡ | Number of POIs† |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Not Started | NA | NA | |
| Alaska | Not Started | NA | NA | |
| Arizona | Not Started | NA | NA | |
| Arkansas | Not Started | NA | NA | |
| California | Not Started | NA | NA | |
| Colorado | Not Started | NA | NA | |
| Connecticut | Not Started | NA | NA | |
| Delaware | Not Started | NA | NA | |
| Florida | Complete | Libraries mapped (next step: adding operator:type and websites) - 2/4/25 | 468 polygons, 10 relations | 238 polygons |
| Georgia | Complete | Libraries mapped and converted to polygons, added operator:type tags | 456 polygons | 0 |
| Hawaii | Not Started | NA | NA | |
| Idaho | Not Started | NA | NA | |
| Illinois | Not Started | NA | NA | |
| Indiana | Not Started | NA | NA | |
| Iowa | Not Started | NA | NA | |
| Kansas | Not Started | NA | NA | |
| Kentucky | Complete | Libraries mapped and converted to polygons. | 235 polygons, 3 relations | 0 |
| Louisiana | Not Started | NA | NA | |
| Maine | Not Started | NA | NA | |
| Maryland | Not Started | NA | NA | |
| Massachusetts | Not Started | NA | NA | |
| Michigan | Not Started | NA | NA | |
| Minnesota | Not Started | NA | NA | |
| Mississippi | Not Started | NA | NA | |
| Missouri | Not Started | NA | NA | |
| Montana | Not Started | NA | NA | |
| Nebraska | Not Started | NA | NA | |
| Nevada | Not Started | NA | NA | |
| New Hampshire | Not Started | NA | NA | |
| New Jersey | Not Started | NA | NA | |
| New Mexico | Not Started | NA | NA | |
| New York | Not Started | NA | NA | |
| North Carolina | Complete | Libraries mapped and converted to polygons. | 443 polygons | 30 left as points |
| North Dakota | Not Started | NA | NA | |
| Ohio | Not Started | NA | NA | |
| Oklahoma | Not Started | NA | NA | |
| Oregon | Not Started | NA | NA | |
| Pennsylvania | Not Started | NA | NA | |
| Rhode Island | In Progress | 50 | 45 | |
| South Carolina | Complete | Libraries mapped and converted to polygons. | 248 polygons | 0 points |
| South Dakota | Not Started | NA | NA | |
| Tennessee | Complete | Libraries mapped and converted to polygons. | 250 | 240 |
| Texas | Not Started | NA | NA | |
| Utah | Not Started | NA | NA | |
| Vermont | Not Started | NA | NA | |
| Virginia | Complete | Libraries mapped and converted to polygons. - 2/4/25 | 304 polygons | 54 left as points |
| Washington | Not Started | NA | NA | |
| West Virginia | Not Started | 181 polygons | 21 left as points | |
| Wisconsin | Not Started | NA | NA | |
| Wyoming | Not Started | NA | NA |
- †: "Number of POIs" refers to the total number of libraries left as points of interest in the state after validation.
- ‡: "Number of Polygons" refers to the total number of validated polygons representing library buildings after the transition from points.
Resources
- [Library Tagging Guidelines](https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Tag:amenity%3Dlibrary)
- [MapRoulette Challenges](https://maproulette.org/)
- [Wikidata for Libraries](https://www.wikidata.org/)
- [OSM Documentation](https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/)
Challenges
Participate in ongoing challenges to improve library data:
- Map library points and convert them to polygons.
- Verify and enrich metadata, such as operating hours and contact information.
Helpful Tips
- Use reliable imagery sources like Bing or Mapillary for validation.
- Verify hours and contact information directly from library websites or by contacting them.
- Avoid using Google Maps as a source, as it violates OSM's copyright policies.
Contact
For questions or contributions, reach out to the project lead: AriannaL via OSM or [OSM Wiki].
See Also
Acknowledgments
Special thanks to the OSM community for their support and contributions to this project and the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) for their library data. For more information, visit [IMLS Library Data Files](https://www.imls.gov/research-evaluation/data-collection/museum-data-files).