Robin,

LC started scanning them about 25 years ago with the aim of putting them all online (full color)—but that has taken a long time. ProQuest saw a market for selling the images. ProQuest made their scans from microforms –so I believe that they are only black & white.  As you can see, color is important with Sanborn Maps.

Best wishes,

Scott R. McEathron, M.A., M.L.I.S.

Librarian

Head, Center for Graduate Initiatives & Engagement

KU Libraries

From: Maps-L: Map Librarians, etc. <[log in to unmask]> On Behalf Of Robin Rank
Sent: Tuesday, February 20, 2024 12:55 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Question about Sanborn Maps

Dear List Members,

Can anyone tell me about differences between ProQuest’s database “Digital Sanborn Maps, 1867–1970” and the Library of Congress Sanborn Maps Collection online? 
https://www.loc.gov/collections/sanborn-maps/about-this-collection/

Thank you so much!

Robin Rank

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Robin Rank
Reference and Instruction Librarian
Kalamazoo College Library
pronouns: she/her/hers

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