-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: Map collection staffing
Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2004 09:32:23 -0500
From: Weessies, Kathleen <[log in to unmask]>



------------------
We touched on the idea of "de-staffing" a map collection at the 2003 ALA
conference.  The MAGERT research libraries discussion group shared some
anecdotes concerning thefts and lack of service.

I am grateful that my area is designed in a way that it really needs to
be staffed.  The Map Library is a room within the Main Library having
its own lockable doors, plus I have a back room full of valuable reserve
items.  Even if the walls were knocked down, there is no other public
staffing point anywhere near that could pretend to watch over the
collection.  I have myself, a 1/2-time copy cataloger, and 5-7 student
workers to keep the area staffed during our 91 hours per week that we
are open.

Maps aren't an easy part of the collection; they are very much a special
collection.  But they are worth the effort!  If left unsupervised, the
collection will devolve to just the items no one has felt like stealing.
  If supervised and nurtured by a librarian, it can develop into
something the institution can really be proud of.

Kathleen Weessies
Maps/GIS Librarian
Michigan State University
100 Library W308
East Lansing, MI  48824
(517)432-6123 x250


At 04:23 PM 3/10/2004 -0500, you wrote:

> -------- Original Message --------
> Subject: Map collection staffing
> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2004 08:04:14 -0700 (MST)
> From: Christa Anne Fehrer <[log in to unmask]>
>
>
>
> ------------------
>
> Our library is undergoing a reorganization of services that involves all
> staff and faculty moving to a central location rather than providing
> specialist help on individual floors.
>
> This change is to include moving staff, faculty, and student assistants
> from the Documents and Maps Division on L.1 up to L.3.  We are a Regional
> Depository with a large map collection (over 1/4 million items, with about
> 10-15% of those being locked).
>
> I am wondering how other map collections are staffed.  Are faculty or
> staff located with the map collection to serve and maintain it?  Please
> explain why or why not.
>
> I will really appreciate your response.
>
> Christa Fehrer
> Maps Technician
> Mansfield Library
> Univ. of Montana
> Missoula, MT  59812
> [log in to unmask]
> 1-406-243-4564