-------- Original Message --------
Subject:        RE: Map call #s
Date:   Tue, 15 Apr 2008 16:21:31 -0400
From:   Carlucci, April <[log in to unmask]>
To:     [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>



Tiffany

As mentioned by others, LC classification is not a requirement of map cataloging, and any classification system that provides a useful means of storing and finding the maps in your collection can be used. Some libraries use LC (the advantage being that the classification number is often available with cataloging copy); some use Dewey (which might make sense for your library as you already use Dewey; basically, just put 912 in front of the number from the Area Table); some use a locally produced classification system; some use an accession system (just number them from 1 onwards); and some store the maps in a geographic system (world -- continent -- country -- state -- county -- city) without using a class number at all. I've seen all of these different approaches used in all sizes of collections, and MARC is flexible enough to record them.

I would also tend to agree that you don't want to catalog/classify each sheet of a series separately unless you have a compelling reason to do so, although some will disagree with this. It depends on how much cataloger resource you have. Graphic indexes are usually sufficient, and can be provided in digital format as well.

Hope this helps, and good luck!

April
April Carlucci
Catalog Librarian for Maps
Yale University Library

-----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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