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        MAPS-L:
 
        I would like your comments on the following scenario:
 
        GIVEN:    A Map Library as branch library located about a 10 minute
                  walk from main library (for some that seems like 10
                  miles).
 
                  A collection of over 300,000 sheet maps
                  99.99 % uncataloged
 
                  Main library took over administration from Geography
                  about 4 years ago - tons of inventory and organizational
                  work to do - still.
 
                  A staff of two (head - faculty librarian) and one
                  library assistant. 30 hours of student assistants per
                  week.
 
                  Select 100% GPO depository items
 
                  Serve as an ESIC state office
 
                  Catalog GPO sheet maps via MARCIVE in Map Library with
                  library assistant
 
                  Deliver an average of three lectures per week during
                  semester to a variety of disciplines.
 
                  An ARL-GIS participant - Have 486/33, color printer,
                  digitizer, CD, 1.3 gigabyte drive
 
                  Have several CD products (42) Have Map Expert, 1:3M
                  electronic atlas, ordered Global Explorer, PC ArcInfo and
                  ArcView.
 
        OFFER FROM MAIN LIBRARY:
 
                  To open a Map Library "Outpost" in the main library in a
                  prime real estate area.  WOW!  A branch Map Library.
 
                  Would possibly have 2 NICE computers, color monitor,
                  color printer, etc.  (i.e., well-stocked).
 
                  Chance to "show-case" new technologies.
 
                  No new staff.  Would have to use existing people on
                  selected hours and days.  By appointment possibly?
 
                  Maps/GIS would be prominently advertised.
 
 
        HIDDEN AGENDAS? WHAT'S IN IT FOR US?
 
                  I would like your comments.  I am sure there are lots of
        politics involved.  I know some.  Biggest problem is staffing.  I
        think we can train some reference/documents staff on some of the
        programs.  Would this turn over the future of map libraries to main
        library? And leave us with the archival sheet maps (USGS etc.).
        Seems like everybody wants everthing immediately available on their
        PC at their desk so even the main libraries would soon be just like
        us.  Soon maybe there will be one librarian (expert), one office-
        branch libraries located in the various academic disciplines on
        campus.  These people would serve as resource people for a variety
        of information needs.  Or even yet a Circuit Rider Map Librarian
        who floats from academic department to academic department
        teaching, searching, training, and answering research questions.
 
        Has anybody else tried this approach?  Is this what is REALLY
        happening at University of Arizona?  At other ARL-GIS Project
        libraries?
 
        Interesting note:  UTK Libraries has mounted GRASS (GIS program) on
        our local GOPHER.
 
        Your comments will be appreciated.
 
        James O. Minton
        Head, Cartographic Information Center
        The University of Tennessee
        Knoxville, TN 37996-4006
        (615) 974-4315 VOICE
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