----------------------------Original message---------------------------- Anyone who believes Geographic Information Systems will replace maps is as naive as the folks who think computers will replace books. GIS are largely analytical and decision making tools. They are beyond the grasp and needs of most map users. Mostly too they produce ugly maps. The techno junkies would like us to believe that within a couple years we'll all have geographic information systems in our cars. Don't believe it. And I'm no technophobe. I recognize the importance of GIS -- I'm a graduate student in geography, a librarian too and am currently taking a GIS class -- but it's not the answer to every question. Blake Gumprecht Documents Librarian Temple University [log in to unmask] gumpbw@templevm