----------------------------Original message---------------------------- MAPS-L: I would like your comments on the following scenario: GIVEN: A Map Library as branch library located about a 10 minute walk from main library (for some that seems like 10 miles). A collection of over 300,000 sheet maps 99.99 % uncataloged Main library took over administration from Geography about 4 years ago - tons of inventory and organizational work to do - still. A staff of two (head - faculty librarian) and one library assistant. 30 hours of student assistants per week. Select 100% GPO depository items Serve as an ESIC state office Catalog GPO sheet maps via MARCIVE in Map Library with library assistant Deliver an average of three lectures per week during semester to a variety of disciplines. An ARL-GIS participant - Have 486/33, color printer, digitizer, CD, 1.3 gigabyte drive Have several CD products (42) Have Map Expert, 1:3M electronic atlas, ordered Global Explorer, PC ArcInfo and ArcView. OFFER FROM MAIN LIBRARY: To open a Map Library "Outpost" in the main library in a prime real estate area. WOW! A branch Map Library. Would possibly have 2 NICE computers, color monitor, color printer, etc. (i.e., well-stocked). Chance to "show-case" new technologies. No new staff. Would have to use existing people on selected hours and days. By appointment possibly? Maps/GIS would be prominently advertised. HIDDEN AGENDAS? WHAT'S IN IT FOR US? I would like your comments. I am sure there are lots of politics involved. I know some. Biggest problem is staffing. I think we can train some reference/documents staff on some of the programs. Would this turn over the future of map libraries to main library? And leave us with the archival sheet maps (USGS etc.). Seems like everybody wants everthing immediately available on their PC at their desk so even the main libraries would soon be just like us. Soon maybe there will be one librarian (expert), one office- branch libraries located in the various academic disciplines on campus. These people would serve as resource people for a variety of information needs. Or even yet a Circuit Rider Map Librarian who floats from academic department to academic department teaching, searching, training, and answering research questions. Has anybody else tried this approach? Is this what is REALLY happening at University of Arizona? At other ARL-GIS Project libraries? Interesting note: UTK Libraries has mounted GRASS (GIS program) on our local GOPHER. Your comments will be appreciated. James O. Minton Head, Cartographic Information Center The University of Tennessee Knoxville, TN 37996-4006 (615) 974-4315 VOICE [log in to unmask]