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     Hello everyone!
     Here at the British Library - in common with many other institutions -
     we are receiving more and more enquiries from readers who wish to scan
     the maps held in our collections.
     At present it is Library policy NOT to allow the scanning of any maps
     - manuscript or printed - on conservation grounds.
     Are we being over cautious?! It may be that scanning is no worse than
     photography and photocopying - but until we are sure we feel that we
     cannot take the risk.
     So, does anyone know of any published studies of the effects of
     scanning on different types of maps; is anyone involved in such an
     investigation now; does anyone have any experiences to relate?
 
     All help in resolving this dilemma will be much appreciated.
     With thanks
     Anne Taylor
     British Library Map Library
     London
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