----------------------------Original message---------------------------- USGS maps are cataloged in LC classification at Dartmouth. Series are usually cataloged under one record with a title reflecting the entire set. The 1:24,000 are cataloged by state. The quadrangles are filed alphabetically within the set with an index sheet. Some series are not broken down by state but cataloged under one record, such as the 1:100,000 and 1:250,000. USGS thematic maps are cataloged individually. I am kind of sorry the National Atlas maps have been done in this manner rather than keeping them together. I don't know if the database would be confusing to have a record for each map. I find that most people need to look at the index sheet to figure out what they really want. Also, we would not have as many maps cataloged as we do if each sheet had to have a record. Maps are not cataloged as quickly and on as regular a basis as books are. We are going to try and automate the circulation of the Map Room this summer. It should be interesting since I've been told about 50% of our maps are not online. I use shelflist cards most of the time. An individual record for each map in a series would be handy for circulation purposes. Joyce Ryerson Baker Library Map Room Dartmouth College (Hanover, NH) [log in to unmask]