Spatial modeling of areas suitable for public libraries construction by integration of GIS and multi-attribute decision making: Case study Tehran, Iran

Spatial features of libraries are crucial to increasing trends in library usage, particularly in the case of attracting students. Selecting a suitable location for the establishment of public libraries can be determined using spatial criteria and by employing Geographic Information System (GIS) in conjunction with Multi-Attribute Decision Making (MADM). The Weighted Linear Composition (WLC) method was used to determine the suitable areas for library construction located in District 5 of Tehran in Iran. This model has a high capability in combining the effect of different values of effective criteria and the weight of each of them in determining the suitable areas for the establishment of the library. Based on the findings, 42% of the total study area was labeled as suitable for public library construction as indicated by the centrality criteria. The remainder of the study area was classified as so: 27% of the districts were in the suitable class, 34% in the moderate class, and 39% in the unsuitable class. The results of this study could be employed as potential tools in urban management and planning to locate suitable areas for the construction of libraries and thereby increase the overall rates and trends of library usage.