-------- Original Message -------- Subject: Two map cataloging questions Date: Mon, 17 Dec 2007 16:38:48 -0500 From: April Carlucci <[log in to unmask]> Reply-To: <[log in to unmask]> Organization: Yale Univ Library To: 'Maps, Air Photo & Geospatial Systems Forum' <[log in to unmask]> Hello fellow map catalogers, I’d like to ask two questions about map cataloging which grow out of discussions we are having at Yale. First, are people generally using the 007 field, and, if so, can the data be usefully searched in your automated catalog/OPAC? Examples would be helpful. Second, for map collections with large numbers of antiquarian materials, the form subdivision $vEarly works to 1800 used with Library of Congress subject headings is not especially helpful, and becomes less helpful the more early maps you have in your catalog. I imagine the subdivision grew out of an earlier situation at LC when items dated before 1800 were rarities and thus worthy of note, and that the subdivision is used with all categories of materials, not just maps. I know that at my previous workplace, the British Library Map Library, the subdivision was considered pretty useless (given how many items dated before 1800 we had) and we didn’t bother with it much! But even in relatively small collections, “Early works to 1800” is not as useful as the old UKMARC practice of putting the actual date in the $y subfield. At Yale, we are thinking about working around this by using 655 genre headings for maps and related materials, where we can include an actual date. We would still have a 651 geographic name heading in order to show the area (and 650 for subject when appropriate) and use the “Early works to 1800” subdivision so that our records are correct and can be used by other libraries. Are there any thoughts about the use of “Early works to 1800”? And is anyone else using genre headings for maps? Many thanks in advance for any thoughts and comments. If either of these questions generates interest, perhaps the MAGERT Cataloging Committee will consider them in Philadelphia. Season’s greetings to everyone. April April Carlucci Catalog Librarian for Maps Yale University Library