[Posted to MapHist, lismaps, Maps-L, liber-GdC, carta, ExLibris and
Archives.  Please excuse duplication, but copy on to other lists or
individuals who might find it relevant]

Thefts of early maps and books
--------------------------------

A series of webpages have just been mounted, in response to the series
of thefts in recent years of early maps from libraries in North America
and Europe.    Entering via the menu <
http://ihr.sas.ac.uk/maps/thefts.html > gives access to four specific
pages:-

*  How should we respond to early map thefts?
*  Links relating to the theft of early books and maps
*  Report of the 'Responding to Theft' seminar (National Library of
Wales, 25 April 2002) *  European map thefts (2001)

The third page carries a report of a seminar, held in Aberystwyth two
weeks ago.  This concluded that what was most needed to ensure a better
response to any future thefts was more effective co-ordination
(internationally) within the research library and archive communities,
and between those groups and the trade networks.  Participants also
supported the immediate disclosure by institutions, firstly of the
circumstances of the theft, and secondly of the full details of what
had been taken.  In that way, other libraries would be forewarned, and
the trade could assist in apprehending the thieves and recovering the
stolen items.  A publicly accessible, web register (with the name of
the institution concerned suppressed if it wished) was suggested as the
best way forward, provided that copy-specific details were included.

'How should we respond to early map thefts?' explores those suggestions
in greater depth, in a personal capacity.  The extensive list of Links
(many of which relate to Rare Books) details 'the networks and
practices of institutions and the trade, and the reporting of thefts'.

It is hoped that some of these ideas may be fed into the  forthcoming
conference on 'Library Security Management', to be held at the Royal
Library, Copenhagen, 13-14 May
< http://www.kb.dk/kb/security/Program/index-en.htm >.

If this issue concerns you, please take a moment to look at these pages
and provide comments, corrections or additions to the undersigned.

Thank you

Tony Campbell
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(former Map Librarian, British Library)