================================================ MAPS-L ** MAPS-L ** MAPS-L ** MAPS-L ** MAPS-L ================================================ Subject: Re: MAPS-L: USGS Outsources Date: Tue, 18 Oct 2005 From: Brian Bach <[log in to unmask]> To: [log in to unmask] I daresay, it will be most interesting to note how users of any outsourced USGS map products respond to their quality and offerings. If good old American free enterprise is going to make a cavalry charge to save poor, ailing USGS from making a fool out of itself, the results better be worthwhile! Call me a curmudgeon, but I am wary when aspects of our ADD-influenced society seep into the library world, which is founded on principles of patience and permanence (relative terms, naturally). Bravo to modern mapping technology for aiding in natural disasters (e.g. Katrina rescue maps). But in the context of acquired map collections in libraries, as Eddie 'Rochester' Anderson exclaimed in 'It's A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World': 'What's the rush??' One thing is certain: our library will maintain our paper map collection in perpetuity (or...well... as long as I'm around!). In my humble opinion, its value will only increase with time. All best, Brian Brian P. Bach Documents/Maps Brooks Library Central Washington University 400 E. University Way Ellensburg, WA 98926-7548 USA [log in to unmask] >>> [log in to unmask] 10/18/05 11:16 AM >>> ================================================ MAPS-L ** MAPS-L ** MAPS-L ** MAPS-L ** MAPS-L ================================================ Subject: USGS Outsources Date: Tue, 18 Oct 2005 From: David Cobb <[log in to unmask]> To: [log in to unmask] Yesterdays Federal ComputerWeek - www.fcw.com/article91117-10-17-05-Print - reveals the "death" of the paper map looms ever closer! On a more positive note, however, maybe we won't have to keep buying those nasty map cases. David Cobb *************************************************************************** David A. Cobb Tel. 617.495.2417 Harvard Map Collection FAX 617.496.0440 Harvard College Library Email: [log in to unmask] Cambridge, MA 02138 http://hcl.harvard.edu/maps ************************** VERITAS **************************************** -- --