-------- Original Message -------- Subject: Question about assistance with topo CDs Date: Thu, 23 Sep 2004 09:25:00 -0600 From: Katie Lage <[log in to unmask]> To: Maps and Air Photo Systems Forum <[log in to unmask]> ------------------ As is the case with most map libraries these days, the University of Colorado at Boulder Map Library is purchasing more and more CDs with topographic (or other) maps, such as those produced by National Geographic's TOPO! and Terrain Navigator. Most of these are software programs and do not circulate. We're having a difficult time deciding how much or how little help we should offer patrons with these products. Do we simply direct the patron to the program and help them open it? Do we show them the basics of zooming, saving, and printing? Do we help them create a custom map? So far we have been showing patrons the basics of the program and requiring our student employees to know the basics also. This assistance is becoming more complicated as the number of programs by different companies multiplies and there are more programs for us to learn and train our student workers how to use. Can other University map libraries offer comments on how much help your library staff offers? And if student employees help with reference are they also required to learn the programs and help patrons use them? -Katie Katie Lage Map Librarian University of Colorado at Boulder Jerry Crail Johnson Earth Sciences & Map Library 184 UCB Boulder, CO 80309 Phone: 303-735-4917 FAX: 303-735-4879 http://ucblibraries.colorado.edu/map/