-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Rare Map Librarianship (UNCLASSIFIED)
Date: Mon, 11 Mar 2013 12:53:51 +0000
From: Hadden, Robert L AGC <[log in to unmask]>
To: Maps, Air Photo, GIS Forum - Map Librarianship <[log in to unmask]>


Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: NONE

        On the interesting subject of rare map librarianship, there have been
recent requests on this listserv for information on defining rare maps;
handling, preserving and conserving rare maps; insuring rare maps and
determining their monetary and replacement value; protecting rare maps
from theft (and vandalism) and physical catastrophes.
        What does this mean? It means that somewhere out there a scathingly
brilliant map librarian who needs to sit down and think and write an
excellent basic reference tome on rare map librarianship. There seems to
be a hole in the literature, and a good librarian who wants to build
their professional reputation can easily (!?) do so by writing what will
eventually become _the_ basic library science book on this subject.
        This would not be done for financial gain, since the writer will be
lucky to break even on costs of doing this sort of professional work.
But it does assure that map librarian several speaking and book signing
gigs at national library conferences, and even some international
exposure. And it would really puff up their resume, an important thing
to think about with all the map library downsizing going on today.
        So if your current job of map librarianship is boring (or if you are
looking for something to do after being laid off), here is your
opportunity to spice up your life by collecting rare map librarianship
insights, cool rare map use stories, and some library science theory
applied to rare maps in order to write something wonderful for your
colleagues.
        And when you find a hole in the literature, you should fill it up, so
the road forward will be easier for those who come behind!

Lee Hadden

R. Lee Hadden
Army Geospatial Center
ATTN: CEAGC-WSG (Hadden)
7701 Telegraph Road
Alexandria, VA 22315
TEL: (703) 428-9206
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Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: NONE