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Libraries and archives put a lot of money (financial means as
well as personell costs) into the preservation of documents. When
concerned with flat maps the lay-out is probably more than with
book items.
At the same time flat maps cannot be as easily copied as other
publications, and a lot of the time not by the customer
him/herself as we fear that the item may become mechanically
damaged.
Sometimes I not even let customers fold back folded maps because
I'm afraid of mechanical damage.
Probably one can write down many more possibilities for maps to
get damaged more easily than book(like) publications.
 
For this reason much has been invested in the office-equipment
for the map curator and those who describe maps in our new
premises. They all have a central cockpit-table as actual working
space with left and right on 135 degree angles a table of minimal
two square metres to four square metres. We have designed this in
order that the map curator may live to become happily old without
much physical defects, to have a better overview over the map
while at the same time using the computer and reference
materials, and because the map materials will be better
preserved. BTW the computer screens are on free-moving arms in
order that we can lay the map underneath the screen if we wish
so.
 
For all the above reasons and more we have created ample space
for our users, though I can think of better set ups. I hope this
e-mail can take the diagram which I think would be an almost
perfect solution:
 
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A central module with working space and aids (computer screens,
typewriters, etc.), One of the axis with big tables to consult
maps, the other axis smaller tables to consult reference
materials. When the computer screens are on mechanical arms with
a wide enough reach one can consult electronic maps together with
analogue materials and at the same time use the other computer
for additional work. (The map librarians have a window driven
computer terminal for cataloguing and a PC for all the other joys
of electronic work).
 
The need for ample space to use maps, either by the librarian or
by the customer, seems so obvious to map curators when you work
with this unruly material. Maybe the best way to argue is to put
your opponent to the test. Give him/her a few folded and flat
maps (most customers need more than one map) and some reference
materials and let them play around on a confined space. And scold
them when they damage the material in the process!
 
Jan Smits
Map Curator Koninklijke Bibliotheek, National Library of The
Netherlands
tel: +31 70 3140241
fax: +31 70 3140450
e-mail: [log in to unmask]
URL: http://www.konbib.nl/kb/skd/karto-en.htm