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     In the april 15, 1997 Library Journal is a listing of "Best Reference
     Sources 1996". fyi, here are three I think are of interest to
     geography and map librarians...
 
 
     The Book of the World. Macmillan. 533 pages with CD-ROM. isbn
     0-02-860811-9  $450   ..."the bulk of the book is given to detailed
     maps divided into 12 major areas. Included are environmental features,
     political maps, and portraits of 30 world cities....Represents a major
     change in atlas design and belongs in all large public and academic
     libraries."
 
     MapQuest  http://www.mapquest.com/  "With more than three million hits
     a day, this in now one of the most popular sites on the web. Following
     a free registration, MapQuest provides access to an online interactive
     world atlas along with trip planning and routing information.
 
     Weather America; The latest climatological data for over 4,000 places
     -- with rankings.  Toucan Valley Pubs. 1412 p.   isbn  1-884925-60-x
     $99.95   Each section begins with a brief description of physical
     features, climate, temperature, precipitation, winds, and other
     elements, such as average date of last spring freeze. This is followed
     by an elevation index, a map of the state's weather stations, detailed
     weather charts...A valuable ready reference for most collections."
 
     Alice Hudson
     Map Division,
     Center for the Humanities, NYPL