-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Map cataloguing / classification
Date: Fri, 31 Jan 2003 13:57:28 +1300
From: "Brian Marshall" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>

------------------
Apologies to those AMCIRCLE members who will already have seen this
message
(and very kindly replied).

Dear colleagues,

At the University of Auckland Library we are drawing up a plan to
catalogue
our map collection.   We have about 55,000 sheets which currently are
arranged geographically, and subdivided by subject where the quantity of
maps justifies doing so.   The maps are kept in folders, which are
labelled,
and the map drawers are labelled as well.  Although the arrangement of
our
maps is a logical one, there are no catalogue / classification records
in
our Library's catalogue.

We are thinking of cataloguing each sheet, and instead of providing a
classification number to indicate location, we thought we might provide
either a map cabinet tier number or a drawer number.   If we go down
this
path, my personal preference is to number the tiers, as this would allow
for
more flexibility when adding new maps to the collection.   Others here
disagree with me, and think we need to number each drawer.   My concern
is
that if the contents of a drawer become too great, and there is a need
to
spill the contents into adjoining drawers, that the catalogue records
need
to be altered as well.

I am wondering whether any others have tried this approach.   I would
appreciate any feedback on how the physical location of your maps is
indicated in your catalogue record (whether you classify your maps or
not).

Best wishes,



Brian Marshall
Subject Librarian- Geography & Environmental
  Science
University of Auckland Library
Private Bag 92019
Auckland,  NEW ZEALAND

Telephone:  64 - 9 - 3737599 extension 88452
Fax:        64 - 9 - 3737568
Web: http:www.auckland.ac.nz/lbr/geog/geohome.htm
"It is not good for the soul to travel faster than the trot of a camel".