-------- Original Message --------
Subject:        RE: Map call #s
Date:   Tue, 15 Apr 2008 08:31:55 -0400
From:   Grabach, Kenneth A. Mr. <[log in to unmask]>
To:     [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>



Tiffany,

The effort you describe would be daunting to anybody.  The easiest way to use call numbers for topographic maps is to treat each state as a set, and provide a call number for the set.  Thus, a call number for California, G4360, and not a year, but a designation for scale because the maps are published at different times, G4360 s24 with a cutter for Geological survey.  Then each quadrangle for California would be arranged as you want them, by name most likely.  There are just too many to need to catalog each one separately.

I use the G schedule for most of my maps, but with maps like this, it is not necessary to use any call number at all.  What I have done is to use a record for each state, without a call number. I use attached item records for each quadrangle, with the date since I retain older sheets.  This works the same way as with a multivolume book.  The volume designation is the name and year.

The geologic maps, if they are the GQ and related series from Geological survey, can be arranged by the series designation they came with, GQ-###, MF-####, or I-####.  The full document number can be used, such as I 19.91:I-####.

I find the LC classification system useful more for less prolific sets than any of these, and again, the system does not require a separate bibliographic record for each part of a multipart set.  The requirement for a different number for each piece means simply that in a set, sheets would have the number for the set, with sheet number or sheet name for the part.

I hope this helps.  You will probably hear more complete discussion from some of the more knowledgeable catalogers on this list.  My main advice is, use the system in a way that works for you, it is a tool.  The other advice is, cataloging doesn't require a particular classification scheme, nor does a classification scheme require a particular way to catalog a collection.  They are separate systems that are used together.

Ken

Ken Grabach                           <[log in to unmask]>
Maps Librarian                         Phone: 513-529-1726
Miami University Libraries
Oxford, Ohio  45056  USA


-----Original Message-----
From: Maps, Air Photo & Geospatial Systems Forum [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Maps-L Moderator
Sent: Monday, April 14, 2008 5:07 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Map call #s

-------- Original Message --------
Subject:        Map call #s
Date:   Mon, 14 Apr 2008 13:49:57 -0700
From:   Nagle, Tiffany <[log in to unmask]>
To:     [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>



I am new to the world of map cataloging and have a pretty basic question...

Our library has a map collection of about 5,000 maps which we they have
just now decided to catalog. They are pretty much split evenly between
topographic maps and geologic maps. I am starting with the topographic maps.

In reading the LC Map Cataloging Manual and ALA Cartographic Materials,
I see that maps are typically classified using the Class G schedule of
LC. However, since we use Dewey for all our books, I am unfamiliar with
the complete procedure for creating LC call #s. I understand the concept
of the basic classification number and the addition of a subdividing
cutter. For example, I know that the classification for a map of the
Buttonwillow, CA area would be G4364 .B95. I also know that the USGS
quadrangle names are not authority-controlled.

So, what happens when you have a quadrangle for which there is no
corresponding cutter in the schedule? For example, I have a USGS map of
the Stevens quadrangle in Kern County, California. This area is in the
middle of the oil fields, and Stevens is the only named place shown on
the map. Is it "legitimate" to extrapolate a cutter that falls between 2
other cities shown in the schedule? In this case, it would be between
Stent (.S893) and Stinson Beach (.S896). I also came across a map
quadrangle that is called "West of Elk Hills" which again doesn't show
any identifiable natural feature or town.

I'm just trying to get a better understanding of how this works so that
I can work with the librarian in charge of this collection to decide the
best way to classify these.

Thank you

Tiffany Nagle

Bibliographic Control Librarian

Kern County Library

Bakersfield, CA 93301

(661) 868-0734

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