If someone comes in the library and wants to check out a map for their
outdoor excursion, as long as it's reasonably inexpensive for us to replace
if necessary, then by all means we let them circulate.  I am personally
pleased when I see wear and tear on our maps.

Jeff Essic
NCSU Libraries



On Wed, Dec 5, 2018 at 10:38 AM Christopher Thiry <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> Hi Chris,
>
> We have circulated our Trails Illustrate maps of Colorado for decades.
> You are correct in that they are very popular and I too am concerned about
> the maps walking out the door & wear and tear.
>
> Ours is a "working" map collection--I had a map run over by a jeep.  Since
> the hiking maps are not vital to the long-term mission of the school, etc,
> I don't worry about wear or loss.  That said, I really haven't noticed the
> maps degrade that much.  Some of the maps circulate at least 10x a year and
> seem to be holding up fine.
>
> As far as loss--I keep all the current ones in plastic sleeves in binders
> behind the circ desk.  They are fully cataloged and can be checked out just
> like any other item.  The catalog has a note "located at the front desk".
> People can browse the binders.  System has been in place for 15+ years and
> seems to work well.  The older editions of the maps are in our open, flat
> collection.  I am certain a couple are missing, but I don't fret.
>
> People love the hiking/biking maps and are very pleased they can check
> them out.
>
> *Christopher J.J. Thiry*
>
> *Map & GIS Librarian*
> *Academic Outreach Coordinator*
>
> Colorado School of Mines
> Arthur Lakes Library
> 1400 Illinois
> Golden, CO 80401
> p. 303-273-3697
> f. 303-273-3199
> *[log in to unmask]* <[log in to unmask]>
> *http://www.mines.edu/library/ <http://www.mines.edu/library/>*
> ------------------------------
> *From:* Maps-L: Map Librarians, etc. [[log in to unmask]] on behalf
> of Salvano, Christopher M. [[log in to unmask]]
> *Sent:* Tuesday, December 04, 2018 5:27 PM
> *To:* [log in to unmask]
> *Subject:* Circulate Trail & Hiking Maps?
>
> Hi community,
>
>
>
> Does anyone in an academic library have experience circulating popular
> hiking and trail maps (ie, Tom Harrison maps) to your patron base? These
> seem like they would generate strong interest for those patrons who are
> avid hikers etc, though I would be concerned for significant wear/tear or
> even item loss. Anybody have experience one way or the other?
>
>
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
>
>
> Chris
>
>
>
> --
>
> *Chris Salvano*
>
> Map Curator
>
> Oviatt Library
>
> California State University, Northridge
>
> 818-677-3465
>
>
>