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Subject: GMD for maps
Date: Wed, 9 Jul 2003 14:21:30 -0500 (CDT)


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I have an embarrassingly elementary map cataloging question.

Most large map libraries (including, I believe, LC) do not use the
theoretically correct GMD "$h[cartographic material]" in map records.
When
one encounters a GMD in map records on OCLC, it's usually from a smaller
library or else in an older record (and it's "$h[map]"). I'd be very
grateful if someone could provide a succinct history of the use/non-use
of
the GMD in map records (or refer me to a good source of information on
this).

Also, I notice that, among those libraries that do use a GMD for
cartographic materials, some put a period before the GMD in records with
a
245 consisting entirely of an a subfield, some after. Surely there's a
"right" place for this period--can anyone tell me where it is?

Many thanks.

Chris Winters
Bibliographer for Anthropology, Geography, and Maps
University of Chicago Library