----------------------------Original message----------------------------
We are considering some organizational changes that may result in us
combining the documents and maps units at Temple. We are also investigating
ways to provide greater access to digital geographic data in our map
collection. As we consider these changes, it seems to me that we might
also want to consider changing the names of these units to reflect the
fact that we are receiving more and more government and geographic
information in electronic formats.
 
I don't want to start a philosophical debate here. I'm not one of those
folks who considers himself an "information specialist" rather than a
"librarian." But I do wonder if the words "documents" and "maps" accurately
describe what it is we collect as the 21st Century approaches.
 
Have other documents and maps departments changed their names to reflect
the changing times? To what? Government Information Department? Geographic
Information Department? Government and Geographic Information Department?
I know a number of map collections have become Cartographic Information
Centers, but I find that name too narrow. I find the phrase "spatial
information" too obscure, relevant only to geographers. Any ideas?
 
Blake Gumprecht                                Telephone: (215) 204-3187
Documents Librarian                                  Fax: (215) 204-5201
Paley Library (017-00)                    Internet: [log in to unmask]
Temple University                                Bitnet: gumpbw@templevm
Philadelphia, PA 19122