-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: Telling the Map Library Story in a Downturn
Date: Fri, 24 Apr 2009 16:55:54 -0400
From: David J. Bertuca <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
References: <[log in to unmask]>
Hi all;
This is something I am constantly trying to be ready for. I am sure that
this will become more of a concern for everyone in future. There are some
ways you can prepare, whether you need to worry or not. Some things to do
that will help to be ready include:
1. keep records on searches, requests, and other activities
2. keep records on faculty consultations (if you are doing research for a
professor, write it down and save documentation to show what, how, how
much, etc).
3. save letters and emails of praise from clients. send those to your
higher ups as a form of FYI. They do find it helpful and also it reminds
anyone that the maps are being used
4. keep loose track of time spent on various activities
5. find ways to give the collection exposure to the campus or public in the
area. PR creates awareness and stimulates use.
I have been doing a booming business since more non-traditional map users
have found out what we have and can do. Faculty have asked me to present to
their classes, provide simple learning assignments (that are grade in their
class) and other activities relating to course work.
I have not managed yet to convince anyone that we need a staff and some
funding to update our drawers and equip't etc. but I have shown our ranking
compared with other institutions, and they know that we are doing good
service.
that won't stop the person with the axe if they already have it and want to
use it cause they have it, but it will make them realize that others will
notice and that is a little helpful.
Even if you don't live in fear, keeping records and raising awareness is
useful in lots of other ways.
It has helped here in maintaining the identity of our collection and in
helping me to focus on strengths, weaknesses, and needs.
David J. Bertuca, Map Librarian
225 Capen Hall
University at Buffalo
Buffalo, NY 14260-1672
716-645-2947 x229
[log in to unmask]
--On Friday, April 24, 2009 11:01 AM -0500 Maps-L Moderator <[log in to unmask]>
wrote:
> -------- Original Message --------
> Subject: Telling the Map Library Story in a Downturn
> Date: Fri, 24 Apr 2009 10:48:43 -0500
> From: Youngblood, Dawn <[log in to unmask]>
> To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
>
>
>
> John's recent post -- RE: How many maps in your collection - recent
> acquisitions? got me to wondering: John, in light of the economic
> situation, are you having to justify your existence?
>
>
> All members of listserv:
>
> I recently had a lunch conversation with a long time friend who co-heads
> a university press. She is already preparing materials to demonstrate how
> the press enhances the prestige of the university just in case the axe
> man cometh. Since many outside our ranks do consider the map library
> non-essential, it may be prudent for us to have a conversation on this
> listserv regarding how we can make our case...
>
> We could pose some questions for each other that would get us thinking
> about how to tell our story and make a defense.
>
> For example, an administrator says:
>
> Not many people use the map library anyway...
>
> or faculty says
>
> I can get all the maps I need through google...
>
> How do we respond?
>
> Dawn Youngblood
> Curator, Edwin J. Fosuce Map Library
> Southern Methodist University
> ________________________________________
> From: Maps, Air Photo & Geospatial Systems Forum
> [[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Maps-L Moderator [[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: Friday, April 24, 2009 10:36 AM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: How many maps in your collection - recent acquisitions?
>
> -------- Original Message --------
> Subject: How many maps in your collection - recent acquisitions?
> Date: Fri, 24 Apr 2009 10:27:30 -0500
> From: John M Anderson <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
>
>
> Hello All,
>
> Angie makes a great point (below). In my initial panic, I forgot about
> Christopher Thiry's 3rd edition to the Guide but I have ordered a copy.
> Please let me know if you have had a significant increase in your
> collection size since submitting your surveys to the Guide.
>
> For example, the LSU CIC acquired 24,474 maps from our climatology
> section in 2009.
>
> Thank you again,
>
> John
>
> John M. Anderson
> Map Librarian and Director
> Cartographic Information Center
> Department of Geography & Anthropology
> LSU
> Baton Rouge, LA 70803
> (225) 578-6247
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [log in to unmask] [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: Friday, April 24, 2009 9:13 AM
> To: John M Anderson
> Subject: Re: How many maps in your collection?
>
> John,
>
> After you have a chance to look at the book Dave Bertruca suggested you
> look at - why don't you let me (and/or the list) know if that will suit
> your purposes or if you want people to reply with more current info.
>
> -Angie
>
> Angie Cope, Senior Academic Librarian
> American Geographical Society Library
> UW Milwaukee Libraries
> 2311 E. Hartford Avenue
> Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201
>
> http://www.uwm.edu/Libraries/AGSL/index.html
> Hours: M-F 8:00am-4:30pm
> [log in to unmask]
> (414)229-6282 / (800)558-8993 (US TOLL FREE) / (414)229-3624 (FAX)
> 43°03'8"N 87°57'21"W
>
> John M Anderson wrote:
>>
>> Hello All,
>>
>> Sorry the about the rude subject line and abrupt message, but I'm in
>> need of some statistics to present to our Provost on short notice and I
>> haven't found a current list of map library collection statistics.
>>
>> I would like to have the following information about your collections
>> (Using my library as an example):
>>
>>
>> Name:
>>
>
>
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