-------- Original Message -------- Subject: RE: [Fwd: Map cataloguing / classification] Date: Sat, 1 Feb 2003 11:31:37 -0000 From: "Cook, Andrew" <[log in to unmask]> To: "'Maps and Air Photo Systems Forum'" <[log in to unmask]> ------------------ Brian Been there, done that! I tried for years to implement, then escape from, a system tying maps to physical locations (stack, press, drawer, folder), because of the implications of the inflexibility which concerns you. Now (admittedly in a particular archive situation) we inventory-number the maps, use the inventory number as the call number, and keep a location register to connect particular inventory numbers to particular labelled physical locations. This is especially useful for varieties of format (flat, rolled, atlas, folded, file) because there is a single inventory-number sequence. When format changes, e.g. in archive repair from folded to flat, or folded to rolled, the inventory number (aka call number) stays the same. Only the location register entries have been changed ('to protect the innocent ...'). Andrew ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- - Andrew S Cook MA PhD FRSA FRHistS Map Archivist, India Office Records The British Library 96 Euston Road London NW1 2DB E-mail [log in to unmask] Telephone/Voicemail 020 7412 7828 Fax 020 7412 7641 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- - -------- 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]> 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". ************************************************************************** Free exhibition at the British Library Galleries : Magic Pencil : Children's Book Illustration Today (to 31 March) original graphic work of 13 contemporary artists ************************************************************************* The information contained in this e-mail is confidential and may be legally privileged. It is intended for the addressee(s) only. If you are not the intended recipient, please delete this e-mail and notify the [log in to unmask] : The contents of this e-mail must not be disclosed or copied without the sender's consent. The statements and opinions expressed in this message are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the British Library. The British Library does not take any responsibility for the views of the author. *************************************************************************