--- Begin Forwarded Message ---
Date: Thu, 07 Mar 2002 11:56:29 -0800
From: Brian Bach <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: The #38 Factor, Gone With The Wind, and Where Were You in '62?
Sender: Brian Bach <[log in to unmask]>
I wholeheartedly concur with Ken's observations about the Depository Flood which he so accurately describes below. Because I personally share the labor with student workers in processing all maps (especially Depository items) I can't think of a better way to keep current as far as what's coming from Reston and elsewhere. Because our collection is a small operation (c.90,000 maps) we have our pride, to be sure, and we are pedaling as fast as we can to keep up most of the time. Paperwork Reduction Act? What's that?
Prof. Keller's article has indeed stimulated a welcome dialogue. I will attempt some comments of my own.
If anything, because of present and future technical trends, the need for proper preservation and storage of analog materials becomes even more essential. To my mind, libraries are an additive entity - to be kept streamlined for practical purposes of course, but with the imperative of maintaining an ever-expanding core collection for a future which cannot be visualized solely through the 'hot tech-talk topics' of today.
Personally, an exclusively digital future strikes me as a tedious bore, but it's happening, and it will continue to evolve in its own soulless way (just my opinion, folks). I have just emerged unamused and unrefreshed from a full quarter of GIS classes, anxious for a few quiet moments to glance at the soothing genius of Bartholomew's 'The Times Survey Atlas of the World' (1922). I feel like Rhet Butler, wanting to return to Charleston to see if there isn't something left of grace and beauty. No, of course I'm not hunkering down on past glories while denying the future. I want our map collection to have it all. But nothing should be excluded at the expense of another. If that sounds too idealistic, I would point out that in the past, microforms were supposed to replace print media, or at least overcome it. Like the medium of radio, microforms have found their place and fulfill their role accordingly. But radio is going through its own changes; unseen by the public, its production technology has radically changed. Every new format should be embraced by a library, and so we follow, or attempt to follow that mandate, while accommodating the attendant upgrades in technology. What other choice is there?
I think that Keller's assessment of the future of map libraries rings true because it is from the perspective of the High Tech Powers that be. And those Powers have the power to wield change, the very type of change that Keller bravely outlines. Today we just got two new state-of-the-art PC s for exclusive GIS usage in the Map Room. Alas, they will probably sit as idly as their predecessors did. The feeling I got from my GIS class was that, if GIS users couldn't get their data from the web, they were certainly not going to pursue it at the Library. True, we are a comparatively small institution, and we are not a research library, but this attitude is indicative of the methods followed by many students of today - and presumably of the future.
And there is this: Washington State has the dubious honor of proposing that its State Library be shut down. Yes, shut down and the collections dispersed. They have already been evicted from their desirable location next the capitol building, and the materials warehoused. This state is a high tech heavyweight. Paul Allen's (of Microsoft fame) father was a librarian at the Univ. of Wash., and he has endowed that institution handsomely. But are these people really interested in libraries, or are they interested in alternatives to libraries? They are as sharks, always progressing forward - but at their (and our) own peril. A few days ago the State Library received a stay of execution - funding for another year - but then what? Enter a Champion? This sorry situation is a disturbing precedent that should be a wake up call - very much in line with Keller's thesis.
Prof. Keller is no prophet of doom, but the elements of truth that he outlines - whether we want to hear them or not - provide (and here comes the cliche) the challenge for the future. To me the future is a compromise - much of it has the appeal of a leaden ball bearing, while much of it still remains as bright as when I beheld the 1962 World's Fair in Seattle (the Century 21 Exposition!) as a seven year old. The old Chinese curse states: 'May you live in interesting times'. But, as history has shown, they're all rather interesting, aren't they?
Apologies for rambling on, and all that...
Sincerely,
Brian
Brian P. Bach
Maps Specialist
Documents/Maps
Central Washington University Library
400 E. 8th Ave.
Ellensburg, WA 98926-7548
USA
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>>> [log in to unmask] 03/06/02 01:18PM >>>
--- Begin Forwarded Message ---
Date: Tue, 5 Mar 2002 20:48:30 -0500 (EST)
From: Ken Grabach <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: #38 again <fwd> (fwd)
Sender: Ken Grabach <[log in to unmask]>
Patrick,
your messages on this topic have been very toughtful, and well stated.
Many others in this ongoing and open conversation have been stimulating
food for thought. Thanks to all who are contributing to this thread. I
for one have not been annoyed at the continuation of the discussion.
However, I would amend the characterization of the Federal Depository
program. It is not only a historical source, but continues to provide a
large proportion of my maps collection.
In my experience, the trickle (if it really was one) has resumed to flood
proportions. I still see lots of CD-ROMs of the Open File series, as well
as others, and I have been awaiting a new cabinet to house them. I still
see fiche, also of the Open File series. Titles in the the I series
Miscellaneous Investigations, and GQ series Geologic Quadrangles continue.
Many new editions of Topographic 7.5-minute quadrangles come each month.
In addition some miscellaneous maps and the occasional poster (one on
caves last year, on volcanoes last month) arrive from time to time. The
excellent set of Southeast Asia last year was a surprise, but maybe it
should not have been, even if we are still awaiting two sheets of that
set. I depend on the NIMA World map for various assignments where
students need to locate places with given coordinates. This map works
best of all the world maps I have, because it gives every degree of
latitude and longitude. It is useful as well to demonstrate the
advantages and disadvantages of the Mercator tangential cylindrical
projection.
In short, as far as maps are concerned, the depository program is still a
valuable part of my collection development. This is especially true for
production of the Geological Survey. It is also obvious that, while
electronic versions of mapping and other geospatial information are are on
the rise, printed maps are recognized by government producers as an
important resource and format. In additon, electronic formats are on the
rise.
Again, this commentary is in no way meant as a criticism of the ideas
being discussed.
Ken
___________________________
Ken Grabach <[log in to unmask]>
Maps Librarian Phone: 513-529-1726
Miami University Libraries
Oxford, Ohio 45056 USA
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