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Subject: Re: MAPS-L: General Material Descriptor (GMD)
Date: Fri, 30 Sep 2005
From: Colleen Cahill <[log in to unmask]>
To: Maps, Air Photo & Geospatial Systems Forum <[log in to unmask]>

I have done a bit of research and have only a partial answer.  As you
note, GMD's are optional in AACR2 and the LC Rule Interpretations give a
very specific list of what gets a GMD.  Cartographic materials are not on
that list.  So by these rules, LC does not put GMDs in cartographic
materials.

Now for the sticky part: why we don't do this.  At this point, I am afraid
I don't know the history and am tracking that down.  If I can find a clear
answer, I will share it with you.

What I can say is LC does not expect anyone else to follow their policy on
this decision: no GMD for cartographic materials is in the LCRI's and not
required of anyone else.

Colleen
  Colleen R. Cahill                   |  [log in to unmask]
  Digital Production Coordinator      |  (202)707-8540
   & Recommending Officer for         |  FAX (202)707-8531
        Science Fiction & Fantasy     |  Library of Congress
These opinions are mine, Mine, Mine! |  Washington, DC 20540-4652


> Our University is getting ready to do full-scale cataloging records and
> the cataloging department fired the question below off to me that I
> thought I would pass on to the list for comment. Any comments and or
> insight would be appreciated!
>
>
>
> Why would a library make the decision to NOT use a GMD (general material
> descriptor) for maps?  It seems to me it would be helpful to patrons to
> see "cartographic material" just as they do "electronic resource" or
> "microform" (et al.) when confronted by a long list of titles. Yet the
> GMD is optional, and LC has opted NOT to add it to any cartographic
> material.  I can understand not wanting to use it on atlases (many of
> which I don't think should be cataloged as maps at all), because they're
> very book-like.  Sheet maps, though, seem to be a different animal
> altogether and I think should have the GMD added.
>
>
>
> Miriam Glanz
>
> Arizona State University Library Map Collection
>
>
>
>
>
> --
>


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