-------- Original Message --------
Subject:        RE: Paper vs. Digital maps
Date:   Wed, 4 Mar 2009 09:08:04 -0600
From:   McEathron, Scott R <[log in to unmask]>
To:     <[log in to unmask]>
CC:     <[log in to unmask]>
References:     A<[log in to unmask]>



Consider the transition from paper to digital in terms of other formats
(books, journals, manuscripts).  Have you transitioned 100% of your
books from a paper based to digital only?  No, of course not.  Why would
maps be any different?  The biggest factors retarding the transition to
digital in all formats is probably the U.S. Congress' continuous
enhancement copyright protections (even for dead folks) over the past 40
years.  While at the same time degrading the constitutional and common
law of Fair Use.  Thus, for most items in library collections,
libraries' own the paper and cloth binding--but not the intellectual
content.  If all your maps are in the public domain and none of your
users wish to view anything in hard copy, then you certainly can
consider going all digital. Another factor that we are experiencing are
the complexities and expense of digital storage, management, etc.
Best wishes,
Scott R. McEathron
University of Kansas Libraries

-----Original Message-----
From: Maps, Air Photo & Geospatial Systems Forum
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Maps-L Moderator for Jean
Cane
Sent: Wednesday, March 04, 2009 8:18 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Paper vs. Digital maps

------- Original Message --------
Subject:        Maps
Date:   Wed, 04 Mar 2009 09:13:49 -0500
From:   Jean <[log in to unmask]>
Organization:   University of Notre Dame
To:     [log in to unmask]



Map Colleagues,
>
> We are in the process of reevaluating our map collections and future
> directions we would like to pursue, primarily paper vs. digital
> collections. Has anyone here transitioned their collections from a
> paper base to digital only collection? If so, what factors were
> considered of primary importance in that pursuit of that policy
> direction? What has been the positive and negatives as a result?
> Similarly, was such a transition under consideration at your
> institution and why wasn't it pursued? You may also respond directly
> to me at our email address. Any feedback and input would be greatly
> appreciated. Thanks for your time and assistance.
>
>
> You may contact me at [log in to unmask]
>
>
> Mike Lutes
>
> Jean Cane
>

--
Jean Ann Cane
Supervisor of Government Documents
208H Hesburgh Library
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, IN 46556
Phone: (574) 631-5685