-------- Original Message -------- Subject: RE: Re: Locking up maps Date: Tue, 4 Dec 2007 14:31:01 -0600 From: McEathron, Scott R <[log in to unmask]> To: Maps, Air Photo & Geospatial Systems Forum <[log in to unmask]> It is not always as simple as "Why would anyone want to lock-up something that needs to be accessible." We have ours locked for a number of reasons: 1) Security--our building is for the most part open 24/7 and we do not have a separate room (yes, people do actually steal maps--not always "rare" ones--and that makes them very inaccessible to all but the thief); 2) it cuts down on good intentioned patrons misfiling the maps they use (once a map is misfiled--it can be inaccessible for a long time); 3) it forces an personal interaction between patron and library staff (going to unlock the case for them allows me to conduct a reference interview, suggest other possible resources, etc.) I argue that such interactions increases service quality; 4) If staff determines that the user would benefit by browsing a folder or drawer, we have a chance to educate the novice user as to how our classification systems work and how to appropriately handle the maps without damaging them. Best wishes, Scott R. McEathron Map Librarian, Bibliographer for Geology (interim), Geography, and Environmental Studies T. R. Smith Map Collections--University of Kansas Libraries 1301 Hoch Auditoria Dr. Lawrence, KS 66045-7537 Tel: 785.864.4662 Fax: 785.864.5705 -----Original Message----- From: Maps, Air Photo & Geospatial Systems Forum [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Maps-L Sent: Tuesday, December 04, 2007 12:44 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: Locking up maps -------- Original Message -------- Subject: RE:Locking up maps Date: Mon, 3 Dec 2007 16:27:04 -0800 From: Diaz, Carlos <[log in to unmask]> To: Maps, Air Photo & Geospatial Systems Forum <[log in to unmask]> No, of course not. Why would anyone want to lock-up something that needs to be accessible. We also get some community members checking out our materials. Actually our titles get checked out for the entire quarter. I may be able to understand the need to secure rare maps in a separate room but even then I wouldn't lock the case. Carlos A. Diaz Government Documents/Maps The Evergreen State College Olympia, Washington [log in to unmask] -----Original Message----- From: Maps, Air Photo & Geospatial Systems Forum [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Maps-L Sent: Monday, December 03, 2007 7:36 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Locking up maps -------- Original Message -------- Subject: Locking up maps Date: Fri, 30 Nov 2007 10:02:55 -0600 From: Becky Lowery <[log in to unmask]> To: [log in to unmask] We have routinely locked map cases in the map section here at UIC - I am new here but it seems to be the accepted thing by anyone who has been here a while. So I hadn't really considered why or if they should be locked until a couple of days ago I said something about locking the cases and the person I was talking to asked why they were locked. We don't have rare maps out and we allow self-service once the case has been unlocked though we do refile the maps. We do seem to have a number of non-university community users if that might affect one's ideas on the issue. My question is do most map libraries lock up their frequently-used map (quads, aerial photos, etc.) and what is the rational you have for whatever policy you use? I'll bring together the answers for the group if there is an interest in this question. Thanks, Becky Lowery -- Rebecca Lowery Maps and Data Services Librarian (MC-234) University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL 60680 (312) 996-5277 A map is the greatest of all epic poems. Its lines and colors show the realization of great dreams. G.H. Grosvenor, Editor National Geographic, 1903-1954