----------------------------Original message---------------------------- We are in the planning stages for an off-site storage facility for the University Library. The issue of "superseded" materials, maps and charts in particular, has been raised by the administration. As a regional depository, we have retained at least one copy of all maps and charts that have been distributed since the map depository program was set up in 1896. We can not say that we have every map, due to moves and responsible departments over the past 100 years, but we generally have complete runs of titles. The question is who else has complete sets and what materials should be discarded? According to the "Superceded List" from GPO, most everything that has been revised could be discarded. Some obvious things such as the U.S.G.S. topographic maps should be kept for historical research purposes, but what about aeronautical charts that are issued every few weeks? Our old nautical charts are used all the time by coastal researchers, but we are a "coastal" state and have marine institutes at the University and along the coast. Some in the administration have suggested that we only keep regional materials and have patrons visit the sites they are studying or request a photo copy of any maps or charts that we do not maintain. These are issues that most of us have to face, unless you have unlimited space and money. Could those of you who discard maps and charts give me a quick rundown of what titles are not retained? If you have a written policy, could you please fax or mail that to me? I am sure the List would like to see some of the comments, so feel free to reply directly to MAPS-L. I will compile the responses I receive and provide a summary for the List. I will also gather all the written policies that I receive and make them available to those attending the Special Libraries Association meeting in Indianapolis, June 6 - 11. Thank you for your input on this very important subject. David C. McQuillan Map Librarian Thomas Cooper Library Division of Libraries and Information Systems University of South Carolina Columbia, S.C. 29208 Phone: (803) 777-4723 Fax: (803) 777-4661 Internet: [log in to unmask]