-------- Original Message -------- Subject: Map cataloguing / classification Date: Fri, 31 Jan 2003 13:57:28 +1300 From: "Brian Marshall" <[log in to unmask]> To: <[log in to unmask]> ------------------ Apologies to those AMCIRCLE members who will already have seen this message (and very kindly replied). Dear colleagues, At the University of Auckland Library we are drawing up a plan to catalogue our map collection. We have about 55,000 sheets which currently are arranged geographically, and subdivided by subject where the quantity of maps justifies doing so. The maps are kept in folders, which are labelled, and the map drawers are labelled as well. Although the arrangement of our maps is a logical one, there are no catalogue / classification records in our Library's catalogue. We are thinking of cataloguing each sheet, and instead of providing a classification number to indicate location, we thought we might provide either a map cabinet tier number or a drawer number. If we go down this path, my personal preference is to number the tiers, as this would allow for more flexibility when adding new maps to the collection. Others here disagree with me, and think we need to number each drawer. My concern is that if the contents of a drawer become too great, and there is a need to spill the contents into adjoining drawers, that the catalogue records need to be altered as well. I am wondering whether any others have tried this approach. I would appreciate any feedback on how the physical location of your maps is indicated in your catalogue record (whether you classify your maps or not). Best wishes, Brian Marshall Subject Librarian- Geography & Environmental Science University of Auckland Library Private Bag 92019 Auckland, NEW ZEALAND Telephone: 64 - 9 - 3737599 extension 88452 Fax: 64 - 9 - 3737568 Web: http:www.auckland.ac.nz/lbr/geog/geohome.htm "It is not good for the soul to travel faster than the trot of a camel".