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Such a proposal is akin to asking all of us to request from all
depository libraries if we might discard an item and if several say no
then we would not be able to. There is also an implication that a new
listserv may be formed because of dissatisfaction with an existing
listserv - nothing could be further from the truth in the case of
MapHist. Discussions concerning this listserv began at the last IFLA
Conference in Barcelona and much of that discussion was led by some
European libraries. MAPS-L has, and will continue, to serve an audience
with very valuable information and discussion and Johnnie Sutherland is
to be complimented and has been rewarded (I believe recently by SLA G&M)
for his efforts.
 
The need for, and future success of, MapHist is reflected by its nearly
300 subscribers in less than two weeks and the fact that it has brought a
number of humanities scholars to the discussions that is important to the
study of the history of cartography. Their opinions and research
interests may not ever represent the majority but such a significant
minority should not have to request the permission of the majority to
speak!
 
David A. Cobb
Harvard Map Collection