-------- Original Message --------
Subject:        Re: Inquiry from government documents librarian about
classification systems used for USGS 7.5 minute topographic maps
Date:   Fri, 5 Feb 2010 08:58:53 -0600 (CST)
From:   Linda R Zellmer <[log in to unmask]>
To:     Air Photo Maps, GIS Forum - Map Librarianship
<[log in to unmask]>


Hello,

Over the years, there have been several different numbering schemes used for USGS topos. Many of these were somehow incorporated into the SuDocs call number. For example when USGS was publishing the book format map indexes, they had a latitude longitude number scheme and then a letter number arrangement for each 1 degree square. This was incorporated into the SuDocs call number after the colon. However, USGS abandoned that number scheme, as did GPO I believe.

Most libraries file by State and Quad name, although there may be other schemes as well. Because the system used for topographic map numbering has changed over time, I am not sure that you would be able to find a method to interfile the maps so that people would actually be able to find them easily.

Let us not forget that the Geographic Names Information System can also be used to identify the name of a topographic map covering a given area, thus people who are not very familiar with map reading might find it easier to use GNIS to identify the name of a map and then go to the drawers.

However, this raises another question, has any library included a link to GNIS in the 856 field of their state map records? Just curious.

Linda Zellmer

> I am trying to find the names of larger size libraries that are
> cataloging and filing U.S.G.S. 7.5 minute series topographic maps
> using the Superintendent of Documents classification system.   This
> system has advantages, but there are also disadvantages and problems.
>
> I would like to find  other libraries using the Supt. of Docs.
> number so that I can learn how they help people make use of their
> collection.
>
>
> Cordially yours,  Thomas Lindsey
>
> P.S. for Valerie Glenn (formerly of UNT):   The Fort Worth Public
> Library is dropping its depository status.  It is working with Texas
> Tech and the University of North Texas to transfer as many documents
> as possible.


--
Linda Zellmer
Government Information & Data Services Librarian
415 Malpass Library
Macomb, IL 61455
[log in to unmask]
Phone: 309-298-2723
Fax: 309-298-2791