-------- Original Message --------
Subject: RE: Re: Locking up maps
Date: Tue, 4 Dec 2007 14:31:01 -0600
From: McEathron, Scott R <[log in to unmask]>
To: Maps, Air Photo & Geospatial Systems Forum <[log in to unmask]>
It is not always as simple as "Why would anyone want to lock-up
something that needs to be accessible."
We have ours locked for a number of reasons: 1) Security--our building
is for the most part open 24/7 and we do not have a separate room (yes,
people do actually steal maps--not always "rare" ones--and that makes
them very inaccessible to all but the thief); 2) it cuts down on good
intentioned patrons misfiling the maps they use (once a map is
misfiled--it can be inaccessible for a long time); 3) it forces an
personal interaction between patron and library staff (going to unlock
the case for them allows me to conduct a reference interview, suggest
other possible resources, etc.) I argue that such interactions increases
service quality; 4) If staff determines that the user would benefit by
browsing a folder or drawer, we have a chance to educate the novice user
as to how our classification systems work and how to appropriately
handle the maps without damaging them.
Best wishes,
Scott R. McEathron
Map Librarian, Bibliographer for Geology (interim), Geography, and
Environmental Studies
T. R. Smith Map Collections--University of Kansas Libraries
1301 Hoch Auditoria Dr.
Lawrence, KS 66045-7537
Tel: 785.864.4662
Fax: 785.864.5705
-----Original Message-----
From: Maps, Air Photo & Geospatial Systems Forum
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Maps-L
Sent: Tuesday, December 04, 2007 12:44 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Locking up maps
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: RE:Locking up maps
Date: Mon, 3 Dec 2007 16:27:04 -0800
From: Diaz, Carlos <[log in to unmask]>
To: Maps, Air Photo & Geospatial Systems Forum
<[log in to unmask]>
No, of course not. Why would anyone want to lock-up something that
needs to be accessible. We also get some community members checking out
our materials. Actually our titles get checked out for the entire
quarter. I may be able to understand the need to secure rare maps in a
separate room but even then I wouldn't lock the case.
Carlos A. Diaz
Government Documents/Maps
The Evergreen State College
Olympia, Washington
[log in to unmask]
-----Original Message-----
From: Maps, Air Photo & Geospatial Systems Forum
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Maps-L
Sent: Monday, December 03, 2007 7:36 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Locking up maps
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Locking up maps
Date: Fri, 30 Nov 2007 10:02:55 -0600
From: Becky Lowery <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
We have routinely locked map cases in the map section here at UIC - I am
new here but it seems to be the accepted thing by anyone who has been
here a while. So I hadn't really considered why or if they should be
locked until a couple of days ago I said something about locking the
cases and the person I was talking to asked why they were locked. We
don't have rare maps out and we allow self-service once the case has
been unlocked though we do refile the maps. We do seem to have a number
of non-university community users if that might affect one's ideas on
the issue.
My question is do most map libraries lock up their frequently-used map
(quads, aerial photos, etc.) and what is the rational you have for
whatever policy you use?
I'll bring together the answers for the group if there is an interest in
this question.
Thanks,
Becky Lowery
--
Rebecca Lowery
Maps and Data Services Librarian (MC-234) University of Illinois at
Chicago
Chicago, IL 60680
(312) 996-5277
A map is the greatest of all epic poems. Its lines and colors show the
realization of great dreams.
G.H. Grosvenor, Editor National Geographic, 1903-1954
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