Created 01/15/1991 List_Affiliation UGA Libraries American Geographical Society Library, UWM Libraries Hello and welcome to the Maps-L mailing list. Maps-L is an international discussion forum for Map Librarians, GIS Librarians, Government Documents Librarians, Special Collections Librarians and other librarians dealing with (or interested in) cartographic information. Any one dealing with and interested in cartographic information such as cartographers, remote sensing professionals, geographers, resellers and cartomaniacs of all types are welcome. Maps-L is not affiliated with any one professional organization but supports information sharing between professionals, hobbiests, students and educators. Announcement from professional organizations and map societies appear on Maps-L. https://uwm.edu/libraries/agsl/maps-l/ ************************** Maps-L is a moderated list. Moderator: Angie Cope American Geographical Society Library UW Milwaukee Libraries 2311 E. Hartford Avenue Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53211 https://uwm.edu/libraries/agsl/
The AGSL is hiring a Public Services Librarian for reference, outreach, and instruction for our collection! The role reports to me.
Key Job Responsibilities:
* Serves as a resource to other librarians and staff outside of their unit on a regular basis * Oversees day-to-day functions of one or more library operations or services * Develops or coordinates specialized projects or programs * Provides specialized services utilizing a high level of expertise on a broad range of disciplines or in a designated discipline area * Designs, develops, delivers, and assesses instruction in a variety of formats to faculty, staff, students,
Here's the recap blog for ArcGIS StoryMaps Live, Chat 2<https://www.esri.com/arcgis-blog/products/arcgis-storymaps/constituent-engagement/2026-arcgis-storymaps-live-adding-arcgis-living-atlas-content-to-your-story>, where we walked through crafting maps that support and strengthen geospatial stories. Catch the key takeaways from the discussion and watch the full recording.
[cid:d658e9f0-32ec-4b43-9852-ef22b7c3c186]
Register for Chat 3<https://storyscape-esriwhere.hub.arcgis.com/pages/community>, Assembling and theming your story, on October 14 at 11:00 a.m. PT. We’ll learn how to organize content in the builder, shape a narrative that supports your message, and create a visual style that brings everything together.
We have an opening for the Director of my library! Come work with me!
Job Description
The University of Nevada, Reno Libraries seeks an engaged, user-centered leader to manage the DeLaMare Science and Engineering Library (DLM), which provides growing services to the University through Data Services and GIS programs, the Mary B. Ansari Map Library, and an exploratory Makerspace. This is a full-time, tenure-track faculty position. Collections support the fields of chemistry, computer science, earth sciences, engineering, math, and physics. Reporting to the Associate Dean of the Libraries, the Director will work collaboratively to provide high-quality library services
I have found a map from southern Washington in our uncatalogued pile: Gifford Pinchot National Forest special forest products / Special forest products harvest map Revised 2015. World cat record at https://search.worldcat.org/title/904458731 says "Legend in six languages" without further specification.
I recognize English, Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese and an early computerised attempt at Lao (with the diacritics being separate characters rather than atop their respective consonants). The sixth language appears to be Latin text gibberish, with lowercase Eth, and square and round brackets apparently used as letters, and no spaces between 'words'. Does anyone know what it is? Is it a
Is it this map? https://www.fs.usda.gov/sites/nfs/files/legacy-media/giffordpinchot/2022%20Special%20Forest%20Products%20Map.pdf
If so, it appears the six languages (full disclosure, I first used Gemini to identify them) are English, Spanish, Khmer/Cambodian, Lao, Russian, and Ukrainian. But not sure if that is in fact the same map!
What you describe as the Latin text gibberish sounds like the kind of thing that can happen when somebody's copy of Adobe (or other program of choice) lacks the typeface used in a digital file, but that's speculation on my part!
Yes, I was wondering if the paper copy I had had garbled one of the scripts in the computer somehow. But Khmer would likely explain it as it's even worse than Thai or Lao orthographically. On maps I made for an atlas, I could do Thai and Lao ok in Coreldraw, but I had to write Khmer in Word, export as a pdf, convert to tif then paste the tifs into the drawing to get Khmer script.
Attached is the legend I have. I think I will go with "corrupted Khmer" until further evidence arises. Can someone with the 2014 and 2017 editions please tell me what languages they have on theirs?
Brendan
From: Maps-L: Map Librarians, etc. <[log in to unmask]> On Behalf Of Johnson, Eric (LVA) Sent: Friday, September 11, 2026 3:01 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: Language identification needed for DOA forest product map in Washington.
Register for the world's largest virtual cataloging meeting-now in two sessions (22 and 23 September) We're excited to share the agendas for the upcoming OCLC cataloging community meeting. In response to audience feedback, this free virtual event will be delivered across two sessions and we're excited to share the agendas for both.
New UN map draws further criticism, over the colour of four islands....... https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-10/japan-wants-world-map-changed/107140462
Brendan
Dr Brendan Whyte, FRGS AFRHistS Curator and Head of the Map Collection The University of Chicago Library 1100 E. 57th St., Room 369 Chicago, IL 60637
As I understood it, the point of the map was the projection, not the geopolitical choices--boundaries, place names, etc.--applied to it. 🫤
mf
On Thu, Sep 10, 2026 at 3:43 PM Brendan Whyte <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> New UN map draws further criticism, over the colour of four islands....... > > https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-10/japan-wants-world-map-changed/107140462 > > Brendan > > Dr Brendan Whyte, FRGS AFRHistS > Curator and Head of the Map Collection > The University of Chicago Library > 1100 E. 57th St., Room 369 > Chicago, IL 60637 > > (773) 702 4103 <(773)%20702-4103> > [log in to unmask] >
They’re no longer arguing over shape, size, direction, or names, but color!
From: Michael Fry <[log in to unmask]> Sent: Thursday, September 10, 2026 3:41 PM To: Maps-L: Map Librarians, etc. <[log in to unmask]>; Brendan Whyte <[log in to unmask]> Subject: Re: UN map criticised again
As I understood it, the point of the map was the projection, not the geopolitical choices--boundaries, place names, etc.--applied to it. 🫤
I think it's a valid concern. Contested areas and boundaries are typically represented on maps as distinctly demarcated areas either using color or other symbols (hatching, dots, etc). Here, one could potentially represent it in a more diplomatic way using color and hatching (a combination of the colors used to represent both politically sovereign entities and hatching to visually indicate the space is a disputed area). In its current form, the map itself may be indicating visually that the dispute has either been resolved (or is no longer a concern) at the level of international governance which may be metaphorically
As to the previous comment regarding geopolitical choice: Geographers have long engaged in conversations around the map as a social construct. At this point, I think it's pretty much well established in the discipline that maps are not 'objective' representations of the earth's surface and its peoples. And, map viewers should engage with maps as resources in critical ways. A number of geographers have written on this topic, since at least the 1990s. Here's a few publications which may be helpful in thinking about the extent to which geopolitical choices are baked into cartographic representations and the extent to which
That's the problem with mapping contested/disputed areas. They are not normally seen as 'disputed' by the nations contesting them! To map them in anything other than that nation's political symbology for a given map is always going to be an issue. So for cartographers there is no easy way out. We can get away with using unaligned symbology in a lot of use cases with no push back, but the UN is not going to be one of them.
Which is why Lonely Planet guides to India can’t be sold in China, and vice versa: even the little outline map of the country on the back cover is legally required to match the national government’s view of the border, and what the Chinese require for China is incompatible with what the Indians require for India. One ends up having to make bespoke products for each market. But maybe it’s a good thing in that it inadvertently fights globalization by forcible localization of product…
Unfortunately, such views suggest that cartographers standardize their representations across all geographic scales which is problematic and is likely not something that the field of geography or cartography maintains an interest in doing for various reasons. My prior remark was in direct reference to the contestations and their representations at the international level within the context of the UN map. I'd think the UN (and its mapmaking teams) would be well positioned to effectively represent these contestations to open up opportunities for international dialogues (in reality, however, political will is also a factor in the implementation of such decisions to
"So for cartographers there is no easy way out." Thank you, David!
We tend to point out that if we make mistakes, wars can be waged. Also, nice that someone pointed out the problem with the India-Pakistan-China border. The older CIA maps had dashed lines looking like spaghetti; not good for topological data structures.
"The origins of war lie in theft". I can't remember exactly where I heard it phrased like this, it's an old concept. But yeah, wars have definitely been fought over the little lines we put on maps. There's no faster way to steal territory than to simply map it in your favor and demand everyone agree.
This school year, the University of Michigan's Clark Library presents a series of free presentations related to women cartographers and pictorial mapping to align with their upcoming exhibit on a beloved 1926 pictorial map of the Ann Arbor Campus.
Thursday, September 24, 5:00pm-6:00pm EST *Down in Ann Arbor Town: Pictorial Maps, Campus Traditions, and the Women Who Made Them* <https://www.lib.umich.edu/visit-and-study/events-and-exhibits/today-and-upcoming/down-ann-arbor-town-pictorial-maps-campus/> Celebrate the centennial of the iconic *Down in Ann Arbor Town* map with a presentation by the curators of the exhibit: Down in Ann Arbor Town: Pictorial Maps, Campus Traditions, and the Women Who Made Them. Ava Pustulka ('28) and
Our current definition of "format = map" in the facets that refine catalog search results, is defined as follows:
Leader/06=e or f OR 006/00=e or f OR 007/00=a or d OR 336|a includes "cartographic" in subfield
The inclusion of the 336 means that restricting search results to "format = map" actually retains a number of books that are basically just text, but have one or more maps in them. Perhaps the inclusion of a "336 $a Cartographic image" in such book records is simply bad cataloguing, and would be best approached by changing those records. But I am
Frustrating! I wanted to touch on your option to remove the 336 "cartographic image" from book records, which is one good option. I would want to know how many records needed to have a cataloger manually delete that MARC field first. If its only a couple dozen books or so then to me its a viable option (now, I do not know if you have a cataloger in the Map Room doing the work on cartographic materials or if there is a person in your cataloging department assigned to work on this format, if the latter then you'll
Here's an example so you can all see the problem. If I do a keyword search for "China", then restrict it to "Format = map", initially it looks like I've just got 2771 maps, and I expected https://catalog.lib.uchicago.edu/vufind/Search/Results?lookfor=china&type=AllFields&filter%5B%5D=format%3A%22Map%22 but when I sort by year... https://catalog.lib.uchicago.edu/vufind/Search/Results?filter%5B%5D=format%3A%22Map%22&lookfor=china&type=AllFields&sort=year I get a lot of recent material (including ebooks, so purchased with a vendor's catalog records) that are most definitely NOT maps, but because they contain a small map or two somewhere (listed in the 300), several 336s have been generated: for "cartographic image", "still image" and "text". And it's that 336 =
Most are here in the Map Collection (which I want to get as a separate location facet, but that's another story), but some sheet maps are in other locations too. So at present, no, we can't use the Map Collection as a search facet.
From: Ross, Heather <[log in to unmask]> Sent: Wednesday, September 9, 2026 8:59 AM To: [log in to unmask]; Brendan Whyte <[log in to unmask]> Subject: Re: Map format facet in catalog searching
Brendan, Here at the University of Maryland McKeldin Library the maps and atlases are all kept in the same area as Government Documents. Most maps were never catalogued - since they don't circulate, I guess they figured it wasn't necessary to put a bar code or call number on the maps - they just filed them alphabetically by country. But we have about 800 atlases on shelves right next to the map cabinets, and the call number labels on atlases include GOVDOC at the top of the label. But most atlases are NOT Gov Docs - they are from National
Wondering who "they" are? Assume it is someone in your cataloging or technical services unit. By definition atlases ARE maps, whether bound (most usual) or not. Their content is cartographic-focused first, i.e., a collection of maps, with accompanying text (most often, not always). The label should be MCK MAP if they want to be correct about it, though from a patron perspective MCK ATLAS with the word "atlas" describing what the item is might be more helpful. That said, the bibliographic record for each of your atlases should be on a "maps" format, not "books" and I'm betting
The small atlas collection in the Government Documents area was there when I was a library student at Maryland (2000 -2002). At that time, they were not adding new materials to it, so I'm assuming most of it was cataloged when the convention was atlases were books. Sheet maps were in the basement and did not circulate. They were moved from the basement to the Government Documents area by movers who didn't understand that they needed keep the cases in alphabetical order. (Maps were organized by the country name.) I spent the next several weeks of my graduate assistantship getting
Well, the 'they' I mentioned would be whatever person or persons was/were in charge of cataloguing items such as maps and atlases as they arrived back in the 70s, 80s, 90s, 00s, etc. We have literally tens of thousands of maps - many from the depository program - that were just placed in drawers. I have been creating an inventory of said maps for most of the 15 years I have volunteered there - at least 80,000 maps so far. I estimate fewer than 1% of those had a call number or bar code on them. We placed an order
Kathy, By any chance do you know what became of the map assistant's inventory list? Would love to see that, but who would know what happened to it? I have been working on such a list for 15 years! So far, I've compiled lists for 28 of our 46 map cabinets - every map in each drawer is listed on a spreadsheet. If you go to mapcollection3d.umd.edu, an image of the 4th floor map collection area opens, and you can see the cabinets in various colors. Map Cabinet Number 1 is the dark blue cabinet near the bottom center of
Call for Papers: Student Success and the Impact of Map and Geospatial Library Services
What: Journal of Map & Geography Libraries special issue on “Student Success and the Impact of Map and Geospatial Library Services<https://think.taylorandfrancis.com/special_issues/student-success-and-the-impact-of-map-and-geospatial-library-services/>”
Who: We welcome submissions from map and geospatial library professionals, library professionals in other areas, disciplinary researchers with relevant expertise, and students/student employees.
The United Nations has voted to adopt a new map, known as the Equal Earth cartographic projection, replacing the Mercator projection maps. The old maps feature several inaccuracies, such as a larger North America, Europe and Greenland against a smaller Africa, Latin America and Oceania. The motion was carried by 164 states, with six abstaining and the US voting against the new maps.
Interesting. Given we in the cartographic field have been complaining that the Mercator (a conformal projection) should have never been used as a classroom teaching tool. The projection was designed for navigation. As my cartography professors admonished us, all map projections have a purpose and choose your projection wisely. Conformal projections maintain shape and are mathematically distorted away from the line of tangency or secancy; equal-area projections maintain size or area on maps but will distort shape. I guess about 100 years too late is okay?
Most of the mass media headlines kind of miss the point: UN has not backed a specific map projection nor has it suggested that one should replace another. Although Equal Earth was presented as an example of a type of map projection, the presenter said from the podium that this was not intended to promote a single map nor condemn use of another. Most of the headlines I’ve seen read something to the effect of “UN backs new Equal Earth map to replace Mercator”.
Everyday HVAC Problems Standing Between You and a Quality Preservation Environment A Free Webinar Presented by Chris Cameron
On September 16 at 11 AM US Eastern/3 PM UTC, Chris Cameron will be hosting a free webinar that looks at the everyday HVAC challenges libraries, museums, and other institutions have in common with buildings across every industry, and how to overcome them to maintain a quality preservation environment.
The content is designed for curious collections staff hoping to increase their HVAC literacy and facilities staff hoping to gain specialized insight into collection environment specifications.
By combining expertise in facilities management, building systems, and preventive conservation, Chris helps institutions develop practical, sustainable strategies that protect collections while improving building performance and operational efficiency.
Check out Conserv’s new Mold Guide and other mold resources!
We’re pleased to announce our new Complete Guide to Mold in Collections, written by conservator and mold specialist Dr. Morena Ferreira. This guide is a detailed look at the basics of mold, the damage it does, and how to prevent and respond to it in practice.
Mold is one of the most serious threats to cultural heritage collections. It usually appears where there is excess moisture, and it can affect just a few items or spread rapidly through an entire collection. Regardless of the extent of the growth detected, mold affects collections in multiple ways, making prevention and early action essential.
In addition to the basics and prevention & response best practices, you'll also get a rundown of key considerations for mold in collections, and access to additional resources for your own collections to ensure you're staying on top of any and all mold issues.
Download the guide today and access other mold resources, including the recent webinar: https://conserv.io/mold/
Best, Mia Blixt-Shehan Libraries, Archives, and Universities Account Manager, Conserv [log in to unmask]
Local TV news item: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mD8xOu_v5KY
Adler Planetarium here in Chicago have been coordinating a crowdsourced response to the Nepal floods by asking people to identify flooding and road blockages on satellite imagery. Immediate project is now complete, but they mention another data release on September 9. https://www.zooniverse.org/projects/alicemead/planetary-response-network-nepal-flash-flooding-2026/about/research
Brendan
Dr Brendan Whyte, FRGS AFRHistS Curator and Head of the Map Collection The University of Chicago Library 1100 E. 57th St., Room 369 Chicago, IL 60637
Join us next week, September 9 at 11 a.m. PST, for ArcGIS StoryMaps Live, Chat 2: Adding ArcGIS Living Atlas content to your story.
This is the second of four chats in which we are walking through the primary stages of crafting a geospatial story around the topic of food access. Jim Herries<https://www.esri.com/arcgis-blog/author/jimhe>, senior engineer for ArcGIS Living Atlas, will discuss his approach to building an authoritative food access layer, and Warren Davison<https://www.esri.com/arcgis-blog/author/wdavison>, maps and graphics specialist for ArcGIS Storytelling, will demonstrate how he used that layer to tell a geospatial story.
https://fa-exuf-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/Stanford/job/200755/?utm_medium=jobshare&utm_source=External+Job+Share Job Description The position is dual posted at Librarian 2 and 3. Stanford University Libraries is seeking a full-time Head Librarian to lead the Branner Earth Sciences library & Map Collections. The Libraries values<https://library.stanford.edu/our-values> are rooted in a commitment of mutual respect, the idea that every member of the staff has something to contribute, and that learning is constant. Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience to apply. About Stanford Libraries: Stanford University Libraries are a dynamic network of resources, spaces and subject experts assembled with the mission to stimulate intellectual curiosity, sustain academic
I love Evacuation Creek. Victorian substitute for local name Sh** Creek
E
Erno Bonebakker 91 Park St, Portland ME 04101 24 Cordes Rd, Chebeague I ME 04017 207.871.0048 [log in to unmask]
On Tue, Sep 1, 2026, 20:59 Chris Thiry <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> All, > > I love interesting placenames. > > I was looking for "Finger of Fate" in Idaho. > > IT IS GONE on the National Map & most recent topos. > The mountain is now unnamed. > > https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finger_of_Fate_(Idaho) > > Look at the 2020 topo *Mount Cramer, Idaho*. Just west of "Hell Roaring > Lake". Gone from 2024
It's still in the Geographic Names Information System. https://edits.nationalmap.gov/apps/gaz-domestic/public/search/names/381688
Brendan
From: Maps-L: Map Librarians, etc. <[log in to unmask]> On Behalf Of Chris Thiry Sent: Tuesday, September 1, 2026 1:35 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Name disappears??
All,
I love interesting placenames.
I was looking for "Finger of Fate" in Idaho.
IT IS GONE on the National Map & most recent topos. The mountain is now unnamed.
Thiry! That name still appears in BGN's GNIS, and the record doesn't seem to mention it being modified, etc. Are you simply observing a difference in the way recent USGS topos have been compiled (i.e., what labels made it onto the map)?
Michael
On Tue, Sep 1, 2026 at 3:59 PM Chris Thiry <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> All, > > I love interesting placenames. > > I was looking for "Finger of Fate" in Idaho. > > IT IS GONE on the National Map & most recent topos. > The mountain is now unnamed. > > https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finger_of_Fate_(Idaho) > > Look at the
Finger of Fate still has a GNIS record<https://edits.nationalmap.gov/apps/gaz-domestic/public/summary/381688> at least, and I'm able to see it on the National Map at certain zoom levels such as level 15<https://apps.nationalmap.gov/viewer/?x=-114.9635527123589&y=44.02481771649006&z=15&portalId=42c10cde86ea4156b80ec13b8eed6961&basemap=42c10cde86ea4156b80ec13b8eed6961&layerIds=1a05ea3ec34-layer-102%2C1a05ea3ec39-layer-103>. But when I zoom closer it vanishes.
There is a stream in northwest Ohio, Mill Creek (the opposite of an interesting placename!) which lacks a GNIS record and has been unlabeled on the National Map and topo maps for many years. Its tributary West Fork Mill Creek is labeled and is shown emptying into an unnamed stream<https://apps.nationalmap.gov/viewer/?x=-84.42596116736995&y=41.63791955708923&z=16&portalId=42c10cde86ea4156b80ec13b8eed6961&basemap=42c10cde86ea4156b80ec13b8eed6961&layerIds=>.
The "Finger of Fate" is located here: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=44.02647,+-114.96211+%28Coordinates%29&iwloc=A&hl=en
It is technically a pillar per GNIS. Its elevation is about 9775 ft, just like the nearby ridge. But the top of the mountain in this area is Mt Cramer (10,176 ft), which is 7,700 ft to the SW of "Finger of Fate".
I appears it is still in the GNIS database: https://edits.nationalmap.gov/apps/gaz-domestic/public/search/names
I get Instagram reels from this creator about all things maps. I thought this was a great video on topographic maps, USTopo, measuring America one square meter at a time, and layers. Also, a shout out to the GNIS, but nothing political about name changes.
It might be fun to put on a guide, if it is accurate.
This is making the rounds: https://googlemapsmania.blogspot.com/2026/08/rename-lake-ontario-now.html
[cid:61dad674-9ee5-4c57-aafb-be0481346f9a]
Christopher J.J. Thiry Map & GIS Librarian Academic Outreach Coordinator Colorado School of Mines Arthur Lakes Library 1400 Illinois Golden, CO 80401 p. 303-273-3697
[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> http://library.mines.edu
My SubStack blog about maps: https://purerandomnessmaps.substack.com/
Shipping address: Colorado School of Mines Christopher J.J. Thiry Arthur Lakes Library 1301 19th Street Golden, CO 80401
Thanks for sharing this Chris. "Nonsense" is a perfect word for what is going on other than a few that I normally do not use in broader circles. The man is a lunatic and shows it in so many ways!
I have a researcher who is looking for a detailed map of the area burned by the forest fires of 1910 in Idaho and Montana referred to as the Big Burn. He would like to have a print map with the largest scale possible, including legal boundaries. He told me that he has exhausted all of the online resources that he could find and I have looked in several online map repositories that I know of as well. His goal is to create a GIS of the area. I have found an already existing GIS curated by the
I am planning an event commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, and I need an image showing a simplified map of the original 13 colonies (without labeling any area as the future "Vermont"). Has anyone found such an image in the public domain or with a creative commons license that would allow me to put it in a PowerPoint presentation? If you have and can share, it would save me some search time.
Would any of the following work? https://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images;_ylt=A2RRqTmUnY1qfgIA0V1XNyoA;_ylu=Y29sbwN1cy1lYXN0LTEEcG9zAzEEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3BpdnM-?p=13+colonies+outline+map&fr2=piv-web&type=E210AU1357G0&fr=mcafee
I always look first at wikipedia. The map attached to this article does a good job of highlighting the colonies' borders (but admittedly, OP, the eventual Vermont is symbolized, so maybe that's a deal breaker for you).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thirteen_Colonies
On 8/24/2026 1:23 PM, Trina Magi wrote: > > Greetings, all. > > I am planning an event commemorating the 250^th anniversary of the > Declaration of Independence, and I need an image showing a simplified > map of the original 13 colonies (without labeling any area as the > future “Vermont”). Has anyone found such an image in the public domain
I have always liked this one as a period work (a print of which was used during the Treaty of Paris after the Revolution to carve up the American British, and French territories):
Hi Trina, In my experience, blank cartographic boundary files for teaching purposes are among the most challenging maps to source online. Given you have an interest in public domain, open access, or CCBY licenses, I'd ask: Are you able and/or interested to learn any GIS mapping tools (e.g., QGIS <http://qgis.org>) to develop your own cartographic boundary files? Are you comfortable working with these types of files already if they are made available to you? It could be a relatively straightforward (but slightly time consuming) task to make some modifications to existing cartographic line or boundary files representing these land areas
GSIS Mary B. Ansari Distinguished Service Award Nominations Open
The Geoscience Information Society (GSIS) Mary B. Ansari Distinguished Service Award Committee is now accepting nominations for the 2026 award. Please help us honor a deserving colleague by submitting a nomination to the selection committee.
Recognizing and honoring significant contributions to the geoscience information profession, the award consists of a monetary gift and certificate which will be presented at the GSIS Annual Business Meeting on October 30, 2026. The award was established in 2005 through the generosity of Mary B. Ansari. She was an ardent supporter of the society serving as
We received a reference question looking for "good open source options for country maps, now that the CIA Factbook is no longer being published and the online CIA maps don’t appear to be updated.”
Check out equal-earth.com They have free digital world maps in multiple languages that get updated frequently.
Not affiliated with them, just a good, free resource for digital maps I'm aware of: https://equal-earth.com/
Paul Norrell 1-World Globes & Maps worldmapsonline.com<http://www.worldmapsonline.com/> | 1worldglobes.com<http://www.1worldglobes.com/> 101 South Brandon Street Seattle WA 98108
From: Maps-L: Map Librarians, etc. <[log in to unmask]> On Behalf Of Taylor-Poleskey, Molly G Sent: Tuesday, August 18, 2026 10:23 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: CIA factbook alternative?
Hi Molly, Does the researcher have a specific country/countries in mind? For some un- and under-mapped areas of the world, I've found OpenStreetMap's online application <https://www.openstreetmap.org/#map=4/38.01/-95.84> and related resources to be helpful. HOT <https://www.hotosm.org/en/> engages those resources as a basemap and supplements with more humanitarian type products. The OpenFactbook <https://openfactbook.org/> also appears to contribute a suitable, open source alternative resource as well as this alternative listing supplied by colleagues at NEIU Libraries <https://neiulibraries.libguides.com/psci/ciaworldfactbook> has put together a listing of reliable, suitable alternatives.
Question for the assembled: is it important that such a set of maps be public domain, or if they were CC-BY 4.0 Creative Commons licensed, would that suffice for most purposes? I'm having a side discussion with someone at a major map producer about exactly this problem and they are curious about librarians' needs.
These books have been claimed already! Very popular. Keep you eye out for more book review calls from me.
Thanks,
Ilene
From: Ilene Raynes Sent: Monday, August 17, 2026 1:22 PM To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>; Maps, Air Photo, GIS Forum - Map Librarianship ([log in to unmask]) <[log in to unmask]> Subject: Reviewers needs for four books
Hi All-
I'm the Review Editor for the "Atlas and Book Review" section of the WAML Information Bulletin. I'm seeking reviewers for the following books (descriptions for these books are taken from Amazon):
I'm the Review Editor for the "Atlas and Book Review" section of the WAML Information Bulletin. I'm seeking reviewers for the following books (descriptions for these books are taken from Amazon):
* The Boroughs of London, by Matt Brown (Author), Mike Hall (Illustrator), Batsford, October 2025, ISBN: 978-1837330003
Cartographer and illustrator Mike Hall is renowned for his retro-themed print collection of boldly colored, highly detailed maps of every London borough, inspired by classic 1960s graphic design. Published to coincide with the sixtieth anniversary of the boroughs' establishment, The Boroughs of London brings together all of Hall's London maps
Hello all, Just a note that this job's application closing date will now be this Friday, August 21st. Thank you for sharing! Lena
From: Maps-L: Map Librarians, etc. <[log in to unmask]> On Behalf Of Mattson, Lena Sent: Friday, July 31, 2026 1:35 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Library of Congress Geography and Map job opening: Reference Librarian
Dear Colleagues,
The Geography & Map Division of the Library of Congress has another new job opening, this time for a Reference Librarian - please feel free to share as you see fit!
Our map cataloger retired 6 years ago, and the few printed maps that still come in, are routed to me for cataloging. While I am confident when it comes to cataloging a standard map, I am still learning when it comes to formats that I have not encountered before.
I will let those map catalogers on the list with plenty of experience describing online/digital maps respond to most of your questions, though just because the map is online doesn't make it any less of a map.
In the meantime, I believe current rules state that you would input bounding box coordinates (034 and 255$c) because these can still be determined from an online map. But, scale information is a different story because scale changes on the map if you zoom in or out of it though if it is "static" (non-zoomable) it might make a difference. I believe
I work for Ohio Geological Survey, and if it were me cataloging a map like this, then the first question that pops out at me is, is there a way to get this map to be a PDF or a TIF document, and save it somewhere on our network? And if we were saving the report as a paper copy, then maybe we might want to print off a paper copy of the map to go with it. Maybe an article that has an online map that goes with it is something like an article or book that
Following on from Sylvia, I think I'd regard the dataset as the "main event" of this package, and would be inclined to catalog this as a geospatial dataset on a map workform. The dataset is distributed as a geodatabase in a ZIP file here (under "download options"), as well as via the TOC of the full-text document, which is viewable here. I read the text as a supplement to the dataset, mainly consisting of discussion of how the dataset was compiled/created, and tables of data definitions. The web map at https://geology.utah.gov/apps/blm_mineral/ looks to be a presentation of the
Good afternoon everyone, I was contacted by a researcher in Thailand who is trying to locate sheets from several 1:50,000 sets that cover an area near the border of Thailand and Cambodia.
We have indexes for many of these, but don't hold the actual sheets of interest. Please let me know if you hold any of these and I can connect you with the researcher.
Here's the Chat 1 recap blog for 2026 ArcGIS StoryMaps Live: Finding the story in your information<https://www.esri.com/arcgis-blog/products/arcgis-storymaps/constituent-engagement/arcgis-storymaps-live-2026-finding-the-story-in-your-information>. It highlights key takeaways from the chat and includes the full recording.
[cid:b38d3245-8cd0-4413-833f-72452bf87822]
Be sure to register for Chat 2<https://storyscape-esriwhere.hub.arcgis.com/pages/community> on September 9 at 11 AM PT, where we’ll walk through how ArcGIS Living Atlas of the World content<https://livingatlas.arcgis.com/en/home/> can strengthen your geospatial stories, along with techniques for integrating that content into ArcGIS StoryMaps.
Due to popular demand (over 1,100 registrants!) we are running a second delivery of our presentation, “Mold in Collections: Key Considerations” with Dr. Morena Ferreira on Thursday, August 13 at 10:30 ET/3:30 PM BST. This webinar is designed for anyone working with collections interested in building a better understanding of the biology of mold and how we can utilize that knowledge to protect ourselves and prevent new and returning outbreaks through environmental control and active monitoring.
We begin a series of four ArcGIS StoryMaps Live chats this Wednesday, August 12, during which we'll be walking through practical techniques and workflows for crafting geospatial stories:
August 12: Finding the story in your information September 9: Adding Living Atlas content for geospatial storytelling October 14: Assembling and theming your story November 10: Putting the finishing touches on your story
This message has been cross-posted. Please excuse any duplication.
The fall 2026 Federal Depository Library Conference is quickly approaching. Visit our event page, https://www.fdlp.gov/2026-fdl-conference, to learn more and register to attend.
From there, you can also volunteer, by Friday, August 21, 2026, to:
* Present a poster in our virtual poster gallery. Showcase your FDLP activities, services, or resources by displaying a virtual poster in our poster gallery. Create a PDF or image file (.png preferred), and submit a short paragraph description of the poster for attendees to browse. * Exhibit products or resources in our virtual exhibitor gallery. Demonstrate,
Hi all, Apologies for the cross posting. I'm reaching out on behalf of a statewide planning project, funded by an IMLS/LSTA grant through the Nevada State Library, Archives and Public Records, to design a future digital repository for preserving and accessing Nevada's historical and environmental maps, GIS data, and other geospatial materials. As part of this planning process, I’m gathering input from peer institutions that manage digital map, geospatial data, or repository platforms. If you or someone at your institution oversees a similar platform, I’d be grateful for your input via this questionnaire: Peer Institutions Geospatial, Data, or Digital Map
Curious about the Library of Congress' Geography & Map Division collections? Please join Geography and Map Division staff next week for a virtual orientation to learn more about our collections and resources!
Register for this session here!<https://loc.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/3817744643421/WN_wm7nN5lJTeC6be0gAJE0xw>
Reference librarian Julie Stoner and Geospatial Data Visualization Librarian Meagan Snow will present an introduction to the Geography and Map collections at the Library of Congress. This orientation session, aimed at the general public, will highlight a wide range of cartographic formats and subject matter. The focus of the session will be
Please help CU Boulder! Our administration is poised to remodel our Map Library in the coming years (could be as soon as a year out apparently) and Naomi and I are wanting to show the project team some examples of GOOD workspaces for a map library. We currently have some areas that are conducive to working with maps, and others that are not. We'd love to see photos of map workrooms that you feel work well and provide space you need for processing, etc. We'd love to see any photos of good teaching spaces for maps/reading rooms as
Here is our latest issue of the WAML IB: Volume 57, Number 3 (Summer 2026)<https://waml.org/waml-information-bulletin/volume-57-number-3/>. If you spot any errors, please let me know and I'll fix it asap.
Enjoy!
Best, Sarah
WAML IB Editor
Sarah Zhang, Librarian for Geography, GIS, & Maps Simon Fraser University Library
The Geography & Map Division of the Library of Congress has another new job opening, this time for a Reference Librarian - please feel free to share as you see fit!
Cheers, Lena
The Geography & Map Division of the Library of Congress has a new job opening for a Reference Librarian.
The Conserv Community has three upcoming events we thought you might want to know about...
***
First up, join us on July 28th at 11 AM ET (4 PM GMT) for a reading group discussion with Margarita C. Villanueva, author of Developing Sustainable Environmental Guidelines for Collections in the Tropics: A Philippine Case Study.
What: Journal of Map & Geography Libraries special issue on "Student Success and the Impact of Map and Geospatial Library Services<https://think.taylorandfrancis.com/special_issues/student-success-and-the-impact-of-map-and-geospatial-library-services/>"
Who: We welcome submissions from map and geospatial library professionals, library professionals in other areas, disciplinary researchers with relevant expertise, and students/student employees.
When: Article abstracts are due on September 18, 2026, and authors will be notified by September 25 of an invitation to submit a full manuscript. Manuscript submissions will be due by January 22, 2027.
This message has been cross-posted. Please excuse any duplication.
There is one week left to volunteer to share your expertise with the FDLP community through an educational session during the fall 2026 Federal Depository Library Conference (September 22 - 23): <https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/a3s1Zr6Una>. Presentations can cover introductory to advanced information on topics related to U.S. Government information resources and librarianship. Educational programs run for 45 or 60 minutes, depending on schedule availability. The deadline for proposals is Friday, July 31, 2026.
A researcher (via BlueSky) is looking for a printed map and/or series of sheets showing the world wide geodetic survey. One that captures the control network between the survey and satellite.
Essentially a larger scale color version of Figure 9 - Fundamental Geodetic Networks Horizontal Control that can be found here https://www.oc.nps.edu/oc2902w/geodesy/geolay/gfl84b_a.htm
I feel like I have seen such a map or a series of sheets? Yet we have no such map/s in our collection.
I noticed the Klokan Bounding Box tool at https://boundingbox.klokantech.com/ is inviting people to try a new version in beta. You have to supply name/email/institution.
I have access but haven't yet had much chance to examine it.
--Tim
Tim Kiser Catalog Librarian for Maps Michigan State University Libraries (517) 884-0825 [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>
I had thought there must be some tool like this to make figuring out the 034 and 255 fields easier. Turns out, there is!
Many thanks. Kelly
Kelly Hydrick, MLIS (she/her) Cartographic Cataloging Librarian Osher Map Library and Smith Center for Cartographic Education https://www.oshermaps.org
On Wed, Jul 22, 2026 at 4:12 PM Kiser, Tim <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
The most helpful development I’ve noticed in the new version is that you can get output in both directions: In addition to drawing a bounding box and getting 034/255 MARC fields as output (as we can already do with the old version), you can now do the opposite: Input the 034 from a MARC record and see the bounding box represented on the map.
There will be a map cataloguing course on the afternoon of Friday 11th September 2026, run jointly by CILIP Rare Books and Special Collections Group, and the Map Curators’ Group of the British Cartographic Society. Booking is now open Getting to Know Maps Tickets, Friday, September 11 • 2 PM - 5 PM | Eventbrite<https://www.eventbrite.com/e/getting-to-know-maps-tickets-1993338388780?aff=oddtdtcreator&_gl=1*1bcbg7x*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTc3NTkzOTQ3LjE3ODQ2NDUwNDU.*_ga_TQVES5V6SH*czE3ODQ2NDUwNDQkbzEkZzAkdDE3ODQ2NDUwNDQkajYwJGwwJGgw>.
I'm looking for an index to the 1:1,000,000 US C&GS Regional Aeronautical Chart produced in the early 1940s.
There were 17 numbered sheets published for the US Index here: https://digicoll.lib.berkeley.edu/record/105460
But we have two named but unnumbered sheets of elsewhere: one in Mexico and one in Venezuela. Both have an adjacent-sheets inset that suggests most of Middle America (at least) were produced.
Sorry, no. It's a series with a large sheetsize than the ICAO 1M/IMW, and from the 1940s. There's presumably a wartime US chart catalog out there somewhere...
Your UWM record suggests you have an index for it in your holdings...
Brendan
From: Angela R Cope <[log in to unmask]> Sent: Tuesday, July 21, 2026 2:52 PM To: [log in to unmask]; Brendan Whyte <[log in to unmask]> Subject: Re: Index for 1:1,000,000 US C&GS Regional Aeronautical Chart ?
Another set of unidentified photos, dating from October of 1940, scale 1:31,680, 7 x 9 in. These have the code "COU," followed by an integer and photo number, such as "COU 0-80." Any clues as to which state it's in? Couldn't find that 3-letter code in the suspected western states. --Ken Rockwell
Hi Ken, We have a set of 1:31,680 topographic maps produced as a USGS / Denver Water collaboration in 1940. Not sure if the aerials were part of the production process for those maps? But the grid is the same as the USGS 7.5' topo maps. It's a limited set that covers Denver metro and about 10 miles into the mountains (where the water is).
Hello Ken. I hope to see you in Denver at the WAML conference this year. That flight was done by the Soil Conservation Service and is for the Prescott Area in Arizona. The NARA record of the index maps is found at:
ASU Library has a crude spatial index of the mosaics compiled from these photos: ASU GeoData: AZ USDA Aerial Photo Mosaics<https://geodata-asu.hub.arcgis.com/apps/3acbc161857f47b2afabea705c332d62/explore>. Regrettably, we only have the mosaics, not the individual aerial photographs.
Note the "Prescott Area" index, symbolized in pink, with that COU designation.
The Geography & Map Division of the Library of Congress has a new job opening for a Digital Collections Coordinator, an exciting role that includes working with the Division's born-digital collections, including digital maps and geospatial data.
Please feel free to forward widely!
Full job posting available at: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/876465900
---
Digital Collections Coordinator
Location: Washington, DC Salary: $102,415 - $133,142 per year Pay scale & grade: GS-12
On 15 July 2026, OCLC expects to install changes to WorldCat Validation, including the following new features and enhancements:
This validation installation includes the following new features and enhancements:
* OCLC-MARC Validations of New MARC Codes Announced 4 April-3 June 2026 * Classification Scheme Source Codes * MARC Code List for Relators * Name and Title Authority Source Codes * National Bibliography Number Source Codes * Standard Identifier Source Codes * Subject Heading and Term Source Codes * MARC 21 Bibliographic Update No. 42 (Announced May 2026) * MARC 21 Authority Update No. 42 (Announced May 2026) * Subfield $a
I was hoping to learn more about map collections in New England by consulting the MAGIRT "Online Guide to U.S. Map Collections" at https://www.ala.org/magirt/onlineguide
However, when I clicked the link for the guide, I received this disappointing message: "Item does not exist or is inaccessible."
I wrote to the email address on the web page but received no reply.
The guide is not currently available from MAGIRT and is in process of transferring to the Western Association of Map Libraries <https://waml.org/> where it will become part of the Map Librarian's Toolbox <https://waml.org/resources/toolbox/>. This is an ongoing process with a WAML working group taking on the task of data collection/cleaning, envisioning what the guide will look like, and developing strategies for ensuring maintenance into the future.
This message has been cross-posted. Please excuse any duplication.
The U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) is seeking nominations for two Federal depository library awards. The deadline to submit nominations is Friday, July 31, 2026.
* Learn more about the awards and nomination guidelines: https://www.fdlp.gov/library-of-the-year * Nominate libraries: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/hBgUNDKVx4
Library of the Year
Nominate an exceptional Federal depository library for the 2026 Federal Depository Library of the Year award. GPO seeks to honor libraries that have implemented innovative services, programs, and recognize staff members who are engaged with meeting the needs of their communities.
It is a map of Caloocan City in the Philippines. The city is divided into two geographical locations. On my map, those two locations are at different scales. So, regarding cataloging - 1 map or 2 maps on 1 sheet?
If they're at two different scales, I would treat them as two separate maps on 1 sheet even though there isn't a neatline separating the two. If they were the same scale, it would be 1 map in 2 segments because Caloocan city would be off the upper right corner of the map if it was in the correct position.
Whoops spoke too fast. The main title says 1:8450 so go with that as the 1 map. Include 2 notes: Northern part of city shown separately at 1:21,000 Inset: Location plan
Brendan
From: Maps-L: Map Librarians, etc. <[log in to unmask]> On Behalf Of Angela R Cope Sent: Thursday, July 9, 2026 12:46 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Caloocan City, Philippine Islands
Hi colleagues, Great responses! As a mapmaker and geographer, I would consider the smaller map to be an inset and would prefer to see it catalogued as 1 map, not 2 maps. Oftentimes, mapmakers don't (and/or haven't) used neatlines in their maps for various reasons (design and otherwise). Regards, Ann
On Thu, Jul 9, 2026 at 12:31 PM Brendan Whyte <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
Cataloger's judgement on this one! I personally would lean towards 2 maps on 1 sheet as Brenda suggested due to these being at two different scales and thus showing two different levels of information (general/locational versus street/road levels). Even with the note indicating that the northern part of the city is shown separately at the larger scale it also covers a different geographic area. But...as I started my reply with...
This is mostly a cataloging question obviously, and I think you can envision several ways of describing and ingesting the maps. But I think Brendan has the right idea. You catalog the item itself for its primary and/or titled content and describe in the metadata the other maps contained on the main sheet. If there's going to be an index map made for this, then you'd create 3 separate footprints that all link back to the same map object in the collection.
I think you all are awfully specific about your definitions. Here is a definition of a map inset <https://support.esri.com/en-us/gis-dictionary/inset-map>from ESRI; typically colleagues in geography who are creating, finding, using, and engaging maps are not engaging this language at this level of detail. Cheers!
On Fri, Jul 10, 2026 at 8:08 AM David Medeiros < [log in to unmask]> wrote:
> This is mostly a cataloging question obviously, and I think you can > envision several ways of describing and ingesting the maps. But I think > Brendan has the right idea. You catalog the item itself for its primary > and/or titled content and
I tend to agree with Ann on this; I would regard any smaller map set within the border of the main map as an inset. Inset locator maps are quite common, as are insets that are enlargements or continuations of the main map.
For this map I think it’s a moot point whether you treat the larger scale map as the main map and simply make a note of the other one at 1:21,000, or whether you treat it as 2 maps on 1 sheet. Either would work!
I think if you look around online and in various cartography texts you’ll find a common distinction between inset and locator maps. The names describe their function, to show more detail or to show more context. I’m also a professional cartographer, picked this particular nomenclature up working for CSAA years ago. It was important because road maps often include both types.
Hence my first instinct when I replied, this falls under "cataloger's judgement" so with the variety of answers given to Angie it is up to her to decide what would be best for the users of her map collection. Then its a matter of making sure the record is consistent throughout, notably that if she decides to describe it as a single map then it only has one scale and set of coordinates but if she goes the route of two maps on one sheet there must be two scales/coordinate sets. The same follows for physical description.
With our in-person Great Lakes Science Bootcamp <https://sites.google.com/site/greatlakessbc>happening this week in Bloomington Indiana, our virtual day is just around the corner.
*GLSBC Virtual Day - Monday July 13th - 11:00 to 4:00 Eastern time*
*Registration is free. * <https://miamioh.zoom.us/meeting/register/xUMYBEwnRs6kTlE-H0usrQ>
Has anyone used Uline flat file cabinets in your libraries/collections, such as these?
https://www.uline.com/BL_71/Flat-File-Cabinets
I know this has been asked before, but I'm hoping someone can weigh in specifically on their quality and construction, and whether they’ve held up to library use over time. Feel free to reply off-list if easier.
At PSU we have many makes and models and most are not branded. Recently we have purchased Safeco 5 drawer flat files<https://www.gaylord.com/Storage-%26-Handling-Equipment/Flat-Files/Gaylord-Archival%26%23174%3B-Extra-Large-5-Drawer-Horizontal-Flat-File/p/HYB09104> from Gaylord. We have been pleased with them so far, but don't have any longitudinal data on them.
I can't speak to Uline cabinets, but here are my observations on map cases:
This message has been cross-posted. Please excuse any duplication.
You are invited to share your experience and expertise with the FDLP community during the fall 2026 Federal Depository Library Conference. GPO is seeking your content for the all-virtual event, September 22 - 23.
There are three ways to participate. Visit our event page <https://www.fdlp.gov/2026-fdl-conference> and volunteer to:
Here are brief descriptions of the proposal and discussion papers of potential interest to the cartographic cataloging community. The agenda with the full proposals and papers can be found here <https://loc.gov/marc/mac/an2026_age.html>.
Proposal 2026-05 would add two subfields to fields 87X (Item Information Fields) in the MARC Holdings Format. The new subfields would allow the recording of barcodes or other machine-readable container designation so that the container holding other barcoded items, such as a carrying case for a kit, could have its own barcode. This might be useful for an unbound atlas in a box.
News some of you may be able to use: the Atlas of Design is now distributed by University of Virginia Press. This may make it easier for some of you to acquire it than it has been in the past. You can find it at https://www.upress.virginia.edu/series/NACIS/.
We've had inquiries about volume 8. We took an additional year off between volumes in part to make this transition, so the next volume will be out in the fall of 2027.
We have a single sheet (#20) of a 1:5000 series of Martinique (or part of it) produced by the Compagnie Aerienne Francaise https://search.worldcat.org/title/277157364 our acquisition stamp is 1939, and the C.A.F. was certainly doing work in Martinique in 1925-26 (see https://search.worldcat.org/title/277160535 and https://search.worldcat.org/title/1370588937). I can find no series record, nor any records of other sheets in Worldcat.
Conserv is hosting a free webinar on mold risk in cultural heritage collections, and we'd like to extend an invitation to the community.
On July 30 at 10:30am Eastern, Dr. Morena Ferreira, Preventive Conservator and mold expert, will walk through the fundamentals of mold in collection settings–what it is, what drives its development, and how institutions can approach prevention and monitoring.
Topics will include:
What mold is and why it poses a risk to collections
The environmental conditions that contribute to mold development, including the role of temperature and dew point
Health and safety considerations for staff working with affected materials
Practical approaches to prevention in collection environments
An introduction to monitoring tools for tracking environmental conditions over time
The webinar is designed to be accessible across a range of roles–conservators, collections managers, registrars, archivists, and library staff are all welcome.
[Worlds Revealed: Geography & Maps at the Library of Congress]<https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fblogs.loc.gov%2Fmaps%2F%3Floclr=eamap/1/0100019f18d15eb8-5565644f-2c21-4c38-a85b-a42a8d3db1d1-000000/WFv11xRUjuJ7vibaIXIT7Ymodt32NFySjYEkybgV6Ck=452>
Participate in G&M’s First Map Transcription Project!<https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fblogs.loc.gov%2Fmaps%2F2026%2F06%2Fparticipate-in-gms-first-map-transcription-project%2F%3Floclr=eamap/1/0100019f18d15eb8-5565644f-2c21-4c38-a85b-a42a8d3db1d1-000000/hZ4IJvn5N2_Lq0Ln-EPi8k8WfAYkpf6klm0kBA5FdPc=452> 06/30/2026 09:54 AM EDT
The By the People crowdsourced transcription program invites volunteers to transcribe and review texts from the Library of Congress digital collections. The first Geography and Map transcription project is now live, with volunteers about to transcribe information from the Revolutionary War era Atlantic Neptune nautical charts. Learn more about the project and these maps.
I have a question that perhaps you or someone on this list-serve can answer. Is there a data base, or even just a large spread sheet somewhere, that contains the longitude and latitude coordinates for all four corners of the USGS topographic sheets for each state? Thank you.
Booking is now open for the Map Curators' Group 60th Anniversary Workshop.
The Map Curators' Group of the British Cartographic Society will celebrate its 60th anniversary by hosting a workshop at the National Library of Scotland (NLS) in Edinburgh on Tuesday 8th September, from 10am until 5.30pm.
The morning session will see the group visit the Map Library in the Causewayside building, where there will be opportunity to tour the library facilities, view a collection of early maps of Scotland, and hear about recent work at the library, including its events and digitisation. After a lunch break, we
Apologies for cross posting. This is the call for the Best Reference Resource Award. Please see below for details of the award and how to submit your nominations. Let me know if you have any questions.
2026 Call for GSIS Mary B. Ansari Best Geoscience: Best Research/Reference Award Nominations.
Just sending a reminder to send in your nominations! Due by Friday, July 31.
From: Chrissy Klenke <[log in to unmask]> Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at 3:23 PM To: Maps-L: Map Librarians, etc. <[log in to unmask]> Subject: GSIS Best Research Resource Award, Call for Nominations!
Hello Map librarians and staff!
Apologies for cross posting. This is the call for the Best Reference Resource Award. Please see below for details of the award and how to submit your nominations. Let me know if you have any questions.
In late 2021 when issues arose with the Kloken bounding box app, we released the Map Extent Helper (https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/extent/). Chris Garrity (USGS) has just migrated it to a new codebase, and some features were added. We invite your thoughts on the new site -- do you find it useful, are there coordinate formats you'd like us to add, is the Help file helpful, etc.
Dear Mr. Soller, I have a question that perhaps you or someone on this list-serve can answer. Is there a data base, or even just a large spread sheet somewhere, that contains the longitude and latitude coordinates for all four corners of the USGS topographic sheets for each state? Thank you. James Nealis On Monday, June 15, 2026 at 11:37:24 AM EDT, Soller, David R <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
If it doesn’t exist, it would make as a simple, if tedious, student project, easily doable on a spreadsheet, and with access to the individual USGS state indexes.
Brendan
From: Maps-L: Map Librarians, etc. <[log in to unmask]> On Behalf Of [log in to unmask] Sent: Monday, June 15, 2026 10:05 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: NGMDB's Map Extent Helper
Registration is now open for the WAML 2026 Annual Conference in Denver, Colorado at the Denver Public Library: Central Library from Wednesday, October 7th to Saturday, October, 10th, 2026.
The conference site <https://waml.org/conferences/waml-2026/> has details regarding registration <https://waml.org/conferences/waml-2026/registration/>, accommodation <https://waml.org/conferences/waml-2026/accommodations/>, transportation <https://waml.org/conferences/waml-2026/transportation/>, the banquet <https://waml.org/conferences/waml-2026/banquet/>, and field trip <https://waml.org/conferences/waml-2026/field-trip/>. Stay tuned for more information on the session programs.
Please join us next week for a WAML Editing Party on June 17th, 2026, at 1pm-3pm Central (2pm-4pm Eastern, 12pm-2pm Mountain, 11am-1pm Pacific).
Come spend a relaxed two hours co-working on Zoom with the WAML Communications Committee to fill in data entries from the Online Guide to U.S. Map Collections. It will be a great chance to chat about map and GIS librarianship among friends and colleagues. Feel free to stay for as little or long as you'd like.
Hello all, please share the announcement below with students at your respective institutions. Thank you very much for helping us spread the word! - David Rumsey Map Center Staff
Call for Entries: Fifth Annual Student Exhibition Competition<https://davidrumseymapcenter.github.io/cms-studentcompetition/>
The California Map Society and the David Rumsey Map Center invite all US-based undergraduate and graduate students to apply for an opportunity to curate an original exhibition of maps from our collections based on the topic of the applicant’s choice. Proposals will be judged on the strength of the topic, the effective use of maps in support of the topic, and overall quality
Technical services work is often defined by the systems we inherit: metadata standards, classification schemes, workflows, and technologies designed to organize, describe, and provide access to information. Yet many of today’s challenges emerge when those systems encounter new realities.
This message has been cross-posted. Please excuse any duplication.
The U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) is seeking nominations for two Federal depository library awards. The deadline to submit nominations is Friday, July 31, 2026.
* Learn more about the awards and nomination guidelines: https://www.fdlp.gov/library-of-the-year * Nominate libraries: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/hBgUNDKVx4
Library of the Year
Nominate an exceptional Federal depository library for the 2026 Federal Depository Library of the Year award. GPO seeks to honor libraries that have implemented innovative services, programs, and recognize staff members who are engaged with meeting the needs of their communities.
This message has been cross-posted. Please excuse any duplication.
You are cordially invited to join the U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) and the Depository Library Council (DLC) for the FDLP Preconference: Updates from GPO's Library Services & Content Management and the fall 2026 Federal Depository Library Conference.
View our event page, and register to attend: https://www.fdlp.gov/2026-fdl-conference
Join the Geography and Map Division online next Tuesday for a virtual orientation to mapping America’s 250th anniversary! Please share with any and all interested parties.
Tuesday, June 9 3:00pm (Eastern) Register here<https://loc.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/6817744633947/WN_2cAEikl0RxKVMHzXE-ddrQ>
Discover some of our many collection materials related to the 250th anniversary of the United States (A250), from Revolutionary War battle maps, to George Washington’s property maps, to Lewis and Clark’s exploration maps. In celebration of this milestone, learn about our A250-themed partnership with the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS). The partnership will make American Revolution era maps available in
Join your STEM librarian colleagues in Bloomington, Indiana, for the Great Lakes Science Boot Camp this summer.
The Great Lakes Science Boot Camp is in-person July 8–10 at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana! <https://sites.google.com/site/greatlakessbc/registration-info>
[cid:922d0b8c-28ea-4573-947b-5a1d117f650e]
Indiana University Campus
We have a local interest page<https://sites.google.com/site/greatlakessbc/your-visit-local-interests> with ideas on things to do and places to see.
It has been said that Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) technology exists because of two people, namely Albert Einstein and Gladys West. Such a statement may be considered rhetorical but does convey the huge contribution that Gladys West made to geodesy that underpins all Global Navigation Satellite Systems.
Dear Maps-L, It is with deep sadness that I share the passing of Bonnie Burns, Head of Geospatial Resources in the Harvard Map Collection. Last week, my colleagues and I were informed that Bonnie passed away on Thursday, May 7, after a brief illness. Bonnie was a valued member of the Harvard Map Collection, and a caring, supportive colleague and friend to many across Harvard Library. She contributed so much as head of the Harvard Map Collection, through her deep knowledge of the collection, her enthusiasm for stories about the ways we use geospatial information, her love of sharing maps
We just had a patron ask about the correctness of the scale/grading if items from USGS TopoView are printed on a large format printer. My instinct is that, no matter the size of the print, the scale would still relate to the contours/accuracy of the map as a whole. Please confirm my assumptions, or let me know if you have other information!
If there is a graphic scale on the map, it will still be accurate as it resizes with the map print (but may not be in convenient units anymore). If there is an RF scale (e.g. 1:40,000) it will not be accurate if the map is resized form original, it only relates to the original map dimensions.
Basically, as long as he pays attention to the graphical scale bars (or the "contour interval 10 feet"-type notices), he should be fine no matter how large or small he prints the map. Those scale bars will shrink down or expand in the same proportion as the rest of the map if he prints it smaller or larger than the original. So if the graphical scale bar shows "1 mile," it will always be "1 mile" in proportion to the whole map.
The email that I never imagined sending 10, 20, 30, 40 years ago.....
I will be retiring as Map and Geography Librarian at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign effective May 31, 2026.
It has been a wild and joyful ride filled with amazing people, beautiful objects, and interesting problems.
I am looking forward to spending more, and higher quality, time with my cello and other instruments as well as the inevitable post-retirement house projects, continuing my deep affiliation with NACIS, and moving forward postponed writing projects.
On Mon, May 18, 2026, 2:26 PM Angela R Cope <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Congratulations Jenny! > > Angie > ------------------------------ > *From:* Maps-L: Map Librarians, etc. <[log in to unmask]> on behalf > of Johnson, Jenny Marie <[log in to unmask]> > *Sent:* Monday, May 18, 2026 10:47 AM > *To:* [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]> > *Subject:* [MAPS-L] Retirement announcement > > > The email that I never imagined sending 10, 20, 30, 40 years ago….. > > > > > > > > I will be retiring as Map and Geography Librarian at the University of > Illinois Urbana-Champaign effective May 31, 2026.
Congratulations on this exciting announcement Jenny! So happy to hear you are taking this step. Did you really make it a 40-year career? That is amazing! Wishing you the very best as you transition into a new phase of life, stay healthy and happy!
The Great Lakes Science Boot Camp is in-person July 8–10 at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana! <https://sites.google.com/site/greatlakessbc/registration-info>
[cid:2b09af9f-1c11-4352-8b30-f15b7a9521cf]
Indiana University Campus
We have a local interest page<https://sites.google.com/site/greatlakessbc/your-visit-local-interests> with ideas on things to do and places to see.
Proposals to present at the WAML 2026 conference are now being accepted. WAML 2026 will be held October 7th - 10th at the Denver Public Library - Central Library. You can choose to submit a 90 minute pre-conference workshop on Wednesday, October 7th; a 15 minute talk or a 5 minute lightning talk for the main conference on Thursday, October 8th and Friday, October 9th.
Yes indeed, congratulations to Marcy! This is tremendous!
Kathleen Weessies Social Sciences Coordinator Head, Maps & Geospatial Services Michigan State University [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> she/her | Land Acknowledgement<https://aiis.msu.edu/land/>
On sabbatical leave, May 11 - November 10, 2026
From: Maps-L: Map Librarians, etc. <[log in to unmask]> On Behalf Of Angela R Cope Sent: Tuesday, May 12, 2026 1:47 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Royal Geographical Society's 2026 medals and awards
Richard Devery at LC has kindly dug out official several E761 indexes for me. There are 2 sheets of which I was unaware, and the four I had previously questioned were indeed never issued. A jpg of the best index he sent me is attached, and the full series sheet listing is now: Aguadulce -- Anton -- Balboa -- Calobre -- Canazas -- Chame -- Chepillo -- Chepo -- Chitré -- Chorrera -- Ciri -- Colon -- Estibaná -- Gamboa -- Indio -- Lake -- Macaraces -- Majagual -- Mensabé -- Nata -- Ocu -- Otoque -- Pacora -- Palenque
I've been unable to find a published AMS index for series E761 Panama 1:50,000 (our AMS catalogues are all WW2, and the series began in 1950)
But we have enough sheets that I have been able to reconstruct one from the 'index to adjoining sheets', and it might be useful to some of you. Of the 37 sheets I have indexed, we do not hold Montijo (in the SW), San Miguel (in the NW), or Mandinga and Samgandi (in the NE), so I can't tell if the series extends west or east (respectively) of those sheets or not.
Please join us for a WAML Editing Party on June 17th, 2026, at 1pm-3pm Central (2pm-4pm Eastern, 12pm-2pm Mountain, 11am-1pm Pacific).
Come spend a relaxed two hours co-working on Zoom with the WAML Communications Committee to tentatively fill in data entries from the Online Guide to U.S. Map Collections. (If we don’t have an easy way to do the data entry by June 17th, we are going to pivot to editing entries for the Map Librarian’s Toolbox and / or compiling suggested WAML Website Edits.) No matter what we end up working on, it will be a great chance to
Does anyone have a printed index for AMS series E761, Panama 1:50,000? Sheets are 15'x15' and named but not numbered. Did this series give complete coverage of the country?
Thanks!
Brendan
Dr Brendan Whyte, FRGS AFRHistS Curator and Head of the Map Collection The University of Chicago Library 1100 E. 57th St., Room 369 Chicago, IL 60637
On 5/12/2026 2:16 PM, Angela R Cope wrote: > We only have 2 sheets in the Panama folder but we have 3 or 4 folders > of Costa Rica E761. Here is the index in our Costa Rica set (attached). > > I found this at Berkeley. > > https://digicoll.lib.berkeley.edu/record/105384?ln=en&v=uv#?c=&m=&s=0&cv=&r=0&xywh=-160%2C-115%2C7130%2C4048 > <https://digicoll.lib.berkeley.edu/record/105384?ln=en&v=uv#?c=&m=&s=0&cv=&r=0&xywh=-160%2C-115%2C7130%2C4048> > > -a- > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > *From:* Maps-L: Map Librarians, etc. <[log in to unmask]> on > behalf of Brendan Whyte <[log in to unmask]> > *Sent:* Tuesday, May 12, 2026 3:50 PM > *To:* [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]> > *Subject:* [MAPS-L] E761 Panama 50k index? > Does anyone have a printed index
Unfortunately, we only have this particular edition of the catalog, and as far as I know, this was actually the last printed catalog, each subsequent edition was digital only, and now it's a daily updated database.
And as far as the actual sheets, we only have the following two:
Congratulations to all the recipients of the Royal Geographical Society's 2026 medals and awards.
All the winners are listed here: https://www.rgs.org/about-us/our-work/medals-awards-and-prizes/society-medals-and-awards/2026
In particular, I'd like to congratulate Marcy Bidney, the 2026 recipient of the Fordham Award.
The Fordham Award is a prestigious honor bestowed by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) in recognition of distinguished contributions to the field of cartobibliography—the systematic study and cataloging of early maps.
All three books have been claimed. Keep an eye out for more requests to review materials in the coming months.
Ilene
From: Ilene Raynes Sent: Tuesday, May 12, 2026 10:28 AM To: Maps, Air Photo, GIS Forum - Map Librarianship ([log in to unmask]) <[log in to unmask]>; ''Janet Reyes' via waml-l' <[log in to unmask]> Subject: One book left!
Who wants to review this title? Reach out to me directly, please!
Who wants to review this title? Reach out to me directly, please!
Thanks,
Ilene
* Map Use: Map Reading and Design, Volume 1, Ninth Edition, by Aileen R. Buckley, A. Jon Kimerling and Patrick J. Kennelly, Esri Press, March 2026, ISBN: 978-1589487758.
Maps are sophisticated conceptual creations. They convey as much about how people think and communicate as they do about the mapped environment. So how do we create maps that convey essential information correctly?
I'm the Review Editor for the "Atlas and Book Review" section of the WAML Information Bulletin. I'm seeking reviewers for the following books (descriptions for these books are taken from Amazon):
* This Way Up: When Maps Go Wrong (And Why It Matters), by Mark Cooper-Jones and Jay Foreman, Hanover Square Press, November 2025, 978-1335001313.
The ACRL Technical Services Interest Group (TSIG) is seeking short presentation proposals for an upcoming virtual ALA Annual pre-conference event to be held June 23, 2026.
We welcome presentations related to current developments, projects, workflows, experimentation, professional development initiatives, and emerging practices in library technical services and metadata work, including cataloging, metadata, acquisitions, AI applications, linked data, systems, digital collections, and related areas.
After you secured your first professional library position, what did you wish you had learned in library school? What did you not learn that would have been helpful when starting out in the profession?
Please consider taking part in the survey What I Did Not Learn in Library School. The survey is located at https://surveys.csus.edu/jfe/form/SV_eIG9QGd2z7LiKPQ. The survey will remain open until June 30, 2026.
The third and final webinar in the Monitoring What Matters series, Making Sense of the Squiggly Lines: Understanding and Using Your Monitoring Data, is coming up next week on May 13, 1:00 - 2:00 EDT. Maddie Cooper will be presenting. There is still time to register for this free webinar.
You are cordially invited to submit blog, story, little piece, article, paper, etc. to the Western Association of Map Libraries Information Bulletin<https://urldefense.com/v3/__http:/www.waml.org/ib/about-the-ib/__;!!BpyFHLRN4TMTrA!_L_787sgy-lnrFENsZ6py97kKR3bDoUSYKAkz3YrwQwB6r6wmbYJHh3GoEYBvdoiydOoMGdwcKsXLQ-qTtM$> (WAML IB) Volume 57, issue 3 - Summer 2026. The WAML IB is an open-access bulletin 'encouraging high standards in every phase of organization and administration of map and geospatial data libraries.' - WAML.org
Friday 25 Sept 2026 1-2pm UK time (~ 7-8 am CT, depending on summer time changes)
A panel of experienced academics will offer advice to historical geographers (at any stage of career) on how to find and successfully use the Royal Geographical Society's map collections.
The event will encourage academics and postgraduates to explore this collection.
[cid:4878b55a-73e1-44b6-ae1d-ad153b650513] In Person: July 8-10th Indiana University - Bloomington Indiana + Bonus! Free Virtual Day July 13th [This image creates a variety of scenes for the boot camp using various animals. Included are chatting with other librarians, information on different talks and activities, costs for registration and form, and travel.]
Images created using Microsoft Copilot Learn more and register now!<https://sites.google.com/site/greatlakessbc/home>
This year's Carto-Cymru - The Wales Map Symposium will be held at the National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth on the 15th of May.
Our theme this year is Mapping a world of change – Exploring how maps help us understand our changing environment - past, present and future- and measure our impact on the world around us.
The Western Association of Map Libraries (WAML) <http://www.waml.org/> is an independent association of map and geospatial librarians and other people with an interest in maps and geospatial librarianship. WAML is committed to actively encouraging diverse voices and new perspectives in the field of map and geospatial librarianship and within our organization.
After 10+ years of being privileged to serve as a geospatial librarian, I'll be retiring towards the end of this year. Because geospatial instruction and research has recently become a priority at our campus, UC Riverside Library is taking the unusual step of recruiting for my replacement now:
Geospatial Information Librarian <https://aprecruit.ucr.edu/JPF02247> - Incumbent will advance geospatial literacy and research in multiple disciplines. This position offers an opportunity to support both established and emerging uses of geospatial data and technology, including integration with drones and AI, at a dynamic campus situated near the headquarters of Esri, the GIS
Call For Papers In commemoration of the 500th anniversary of Kitâb-ı Bahriye, the International Piri Reis and Maritime History Symposium will be held at Piri Reis University between November 18-21, 2026.
Piri Reis, one of the most distinguished figures of Ottoman maritime history and historical geography, transformed the seafaring experience he acquired across a vast geography extending from the Mediterranean to the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean into a lasting legacy of knowledge through maps and written works. His two world maps dated 1513 and 1528, which relate to the geography of the Age of Discoveries, continue
Join us for the second webinar in the FREE joint course from C2C Care and Conserv, Monitoring that Matters!
This webinar, "From Observation to Action: The “HOW” of Environmental Monitoring," will be presented by Maddie Cooper, Owner and Principal Conservator of M.C. Conservation Services, on April 22, 2026, 1:00-2:00pm ET.
Applications for the Library of Congress Philip Lee Phillips Society Fellowship are now open for 2026!
Fellows will be awarded an eight-week research residency in the Geography & Map Division at the Library of Congress in Washington, DC, supported by an $11,500 research stipend.
Applications are due by September 15, 2026.
For full details on fellowship requirements and application process, please see: https://www.loc.gov/programs/john-w-kluge-center/chairs-fellowships/fellowships/philip-lee-phillips/
How are folks approaching web accessibility with the impending April 24<https://www.ala.org/accessibility/ada-rules-faq>th<https://www.ala.org/accessibility/ada-rules-faq> deadline<https://www.ala.org/accessibility/ada-rules-faq> (if your institution is considered part of a state or local government) as it relates to maps? How are you using alt text on map images? The guidance I've seen is sometimes contradictory and unclear—I love/hate this line from the ALA FAQ that "Clarity is not expected until after the deadline and a library goes through a complaint investigation or lawsuit to set precedence."
The LSCM Map Cataloging Webcast Series<https://www.fdlp.gov/training/lscm-map-cataloging-webcast-series> is now available for viewing.
In this webcast series, Metadata and Collection Services (MCS) staff explore map cataloging at the U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) by sharing our local practices, reviewing the description standards we apply, and examining the unique elements of cartographic material like projection, coordinates, and relief.
We have the following official economic and population atlas of the General Government, issued during the German occupation: Kartenfolge zur Landes- und Wirtschaftskunde der eingegliederten Ostgebiete und des Generalgouvernements<https://catalog.lib.uchicago.edu/vufind/Record/4537423> / 1940-42
We seem to be missing two of the sheets, #2 and #18. Does anyone else have them, and if so, can you please send me the full titles (might be 1, 4 or 6 maps on each sheet)? I have updated our record with a 505 listing all titles of the other sheets (should be visible tomorrow, Tuesday) should you wish to add those to your own record
We have a researcher looking for a city street map of Monterrey (Capital of Nuevo Leon state in Mexico). They are essentially looking for the Siesta Motel, which was located at the south end of Monterrey along the main highway, ca. 1963-1968.
Six months ago this researcher requested a 1965 street map of Mazatlan showing the Sands Motel. As luck would have it we had such a map <https://archive.org/details/WCWdb_13345>. However, no such luck this time.
My collection includes a 1968 map of Mexico <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd7dfRlKdM3VF05Wgifl8u5ezzY8HlNuwtvhNv8K_wkS6bGEQ/viewform>with an inset of Monterrey and an index of hotels in the city. Siesta Motel is not included on the list, but I'm passing along a picture in case the absence is helpful! If the researcher would like to request a full scan (for free), they can fill out this form: Clark Library Scan Request. <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd7dfRlKdM3VF05Wgifl8u5ezzY8HlNuwtvhNv8K_wkS6bGEQ/viewform>
I dug up a 1962 map of Monterrey that shows the southern outskirts of town. Hotels are not marked but at least you can see the road network. I see two roads leading south out of town – Carretera a Chipinque leading to the southwest and Carretera a Mexico leading to the southeast. Carretera a Mexico is also labeled with a highway “85” symbol.
ASU Library can offer another imperfect specimen for your researcher. It falls outside the requested date range and does not identify a “Siesta Hotel” or “Sierra Motel” (despite explicitly labeling some hotels). It does, however, show the southern approach into Monterrey and the primary highway corridors, which may help clarify the area in question.
Thanks to everyone who replied on/off the list. A solid reminder of the collective depth of printed maps that can be summoned, scanned and shared quickly. It also feels timely in light of this recent article:
Weessies, K. W. (2026). Pursuing Map Collection Collaboration: A Research Agenda. Journal of Map & Geography Libraries, 1–27. Both a great overview of past initiatives, current unfolding ones (Maps-L shoutout), and forward thinking (Measures & Questions) into the future. Note: the article pairs well with James Cheshire's The Library of Lost Maps.
Join us online Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 3:00pm (Eastern) for an introduction to the Geography and Map collections at the Library of Congress! Reference librarians Julie Stoner and Amelia Raines will present an introduction to the Geography and Map collections. This virtual session will highlight a wide range of cartographic formats and subject matter. The focus of the session will be on maps and online resources available to all patrons any time or place in the world. Topics covered will also include search tips and tricks, research and collection guides, ways to engage with the collections online, and how
Call for Nominations for the 2026 Guidebook Awards
The Guidebooks Committee of the Geoscience Information Society <http://www.geoinfo.org/> (GSIS) is accepting nominations for the 2026 Best Guidebook Award(s) and Outstanding Geologic Field Trip Guidebook Series award. Geologic field trip guidebooks from any region that were produced from 2024-2026 can be considered for the award, which is awarded in the fall at the annual meeting of the Geoscience Information Society. Via these awards, the GSIS seeks to recognize the value of guidebooks and reward examples of excellence. In addition to being outstanding in content, the nominated titles will be evaluated according to
I'm cataloging a map "A new commuter's guide to South Minneapolis" and I'm wondering if anyone can suggest or comment on subject headings for such a map.
On the verso is a map "ICE abductors in South Minneapolis Jan. 26th-Feb. 2nd, 2026." There are phone numbers and websites for MONARCA Rapid Response Line, Copal, and National Lawyers Guild but no clear creator. It's an anti-ICE map with suggestions for safely protesting and safely not getting arrested.
Angie, and all others, Since we, as catalogers, are required NOT to put any political bias in our subject headings, we can only put two of those in, in my opinion
Nobody will stop you to put additional 500 fields in and include information such as: designed as an Anti-ICE map, or: includes phone numbers to …. My two cents. Milan
Police brutality is police brutality. It should be in there and shame to ICE.
Garth Tardy (he/him) 🏳️🌈 Special Collections Catalog Librarian University of Missouri—Kansas City nItebHa’ maHoS [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> FIRST GEN PROUD<https://www.umkc.edu/asm/first-gen-roo/first-gen-proud-directory.html>
From: Maps-L: Map Librarians, etc. <[log in to unmask]> On Behalf Of Milan Pohontsch Sent: Thursday, April 9, 2026 9:44 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: Subject heading help for community safety map for South Minneapolis (vs. ICE)
This is a great question. Without seeing the map itself, I would lean towards including the following, since all are present based on your description:
650 0Central-local government relations 650 0Noncitizens ǂx Government policy 650 0Urban policy ǂ 651 0United States ǂx Emigration and immigration ǂx Government policy. 650 0Illegal immigration ǂx Government policy
Holly M. Dean Library Director, Research Assistant Professor Keith B. Mather Library, Geophysical Institute University of Alaska Fairbanks 907-474-7573 [log in to unmask] she/her/hers
I've got a longer response coming to you off-list with suggestions for slimming your list down. As a person who lives on this map, though, I appreciate and endorse your choices.
I'm also hoping to come across a copy of this map. I'll pass this conversation on to our cataloger if and when we are able to bring this map into the collection. As a daily commuter from South Minneapolis to St. Paul, I appreciate the discussion. -Cate Cooney curator of maps, rare books and print culture at the Minnesota Historical Society.
You've already gotten lots of feedback on this and by now I'm sure you have finalized your record?
First, I agree with Laura McElfresh's comment about the number of subject headings to provide, sometimes too many can be misleading or at minimum can guide someone down the wrong path. Of course any and all of the things you do or do not include falls under "cataloger's judgement" as well.
Thank you all so much for your interest in this map and for the assistance with the subject headings.
The map was donated by one of our students who visited the Moon Palace bookstore in Minneapolis. She said that there is a community table with zines and flyers and that's where she found the map. She only took one and wishing to have another, went back to the store, but they were all gone.
We're excited to announce that the annual meeting of the Western Association of Map Libraries (WAML) <https://waml.org/> will be held at the Denver Public Library. The conference will take place October 7th - 10th, 2026. The 2026 WAML Conference website <https://waml.org/conferences/waml-2026/> currently has information about the conference dates and venue. More conference details are coming soon!
I have a patron looking for a Edition 1 copy of sheet 198 III for Italy 1:50,000. We have an edition 3 sheet from the 1950s and he is looking at the World War II AARs (After Action Report) on the earlier editions.
I believe the set is the G.S.G.S. 4229 series. This is our record<https://catalog.libraries.psu.edu/catalog/4483700> for comparison.
Please excuse cross-postings. This message has been distributed widely.
On 6 April 2026, OCLC installed changes to WorldCat Validation. See the WorldCat Validation Release Notes, April 2026<https://help.oclc.org/Metadata_Services/WorldShare_Record_Manager/WorldCat_Validation_release_notes_and_known_issues/2026_WorldCat_Validation_release_notes/100WorldCat_Validation_release_notes_April_2026> at oc.lc/validation-release-notes for full details. This validation installation includes the following new features and enhancements:
This validation installation includes the following new features and enhancements:
* OCLC-MARC Validations of New MARC Codes Announced 11 December 2025-27 January 2026 * Cartographic Data Source Codes * Data Provenance Category Codes * Genre/Form Code and Term Source Codes * Musical Instrumentation and Voice Code Source Codes * Standard Identifier Source Codes * MARC 21 Bibliographic Update
I have never before cataloged a map that includes an attached paper ruler (see images in the link below). It has also been a very looooooong time since I last encountered something like this.
My question is: what is the proper name for this type of ruler? We have been calling it a pointer, since it points to exact places on the map, but I am not sure whether that is the correct term.
GARRETT DASH NELSON President & Head Curator Leventhal Map & Education Center<https://leventhalmap.org> at the Boston Public Library<https://bpl.org> Central Library in Copley Square 700 Boylston St. · Boston MA 02116 · USA +1 617.859.2139 he/him
Faculty Affiliate, Northeastern University Department of History NULab for Texts, Maps, and Networks
Describe it based on its purpose. We've had some of these attached with a brad and others attached with a grommet. So if it's an index guide or a mileage guide, include a note using those words and giving dimensions. I suppose you could a subfield $$e in your 300, but not necessary.
From: Maps-L: Map Librarians, etc. <[log in to unmask]> On Behalf Of Milan Pohontsch Sent: Monday, April 6, 2026 4:35 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Question about identifying an attached paper ruler on a map
Hello collective wisdom,
I have never before cataloged a map that includes an attached paper ruler (see images in the link below). It has also been a very looooooong time since I last encountered something like this.
**Please excuse cross postings** The ACRL Technical Services Interest Group (TSIG) is seeking a volunteer to serve as the Incoming Convener (2026-2027) / Convener (2027-2028). This position serves a two-year term and is responsible for planning and facilitating a conference session at or adjacent to ALA Annual Conferences, organizing additional programming during the year, and communicating group activities. Annual Conference attendance is strongly encouraged. The charge of the TSIG is "to provide a broad framework for information exchange on current developments and activities related to technical services including, but not limited to, collection development, collection management, acquisitions, metadata services and
I have a question that came via a colleague locally and I'm wondering what experience you all have in this area...
We’ve emptied the flat files they were originally in and moved those to our dept. They’re in good shape, but I’d like to try to lubricate the drawer slides to make them work more easily. I was wondering if you’d had much experience with this and had any recommendations. Reading online, I’ve found these suggestions:
I caution you not to use graphite powder. Even when applied sparingly, it tends to get everywhere. (Static electricity.) However, you can buy it in small squeeze tubes for lubricating locks. It is sold for lubricating locks because it doesn't trap dirt and become abrasive like greases can. I have seen applications of powdered graphite to door hinges that, after a few months, have migrated to the woodwork and leave a black smear near the hinges. And, once applied, it is too late to have second thoughts. I doubt it can
Hi Ryan, I would look at cleaning methods and repairs before trying lubricants. Rub with steel wool and clean up with a vacuum and dust rag (or research other methods) and then tighten screws and replace bent or warped rollers or slides.
Katie
Katie Lage Associate Librarian she/her [image: A button with "Hear my name" text for name playback in email signature] <https://www.name-coach.com/kathryn-lage> MLML/MBARI Research Library Moss Landing Marine Labs, San José State University / MBARI 8272 Moss Landing Road Moss Landing, CA 95039 *https://mlml.sjsu.edu/library/ <https://mlml.sjsu.edu/library/>* [log in to unmask] 831-771-4415 https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0574-0588
Join us for a summer webinar series on "From GIS to GeoAI: Bridging the Gap in Geospatial Education"
Geographic information science has long been characterized by methodological advancements and emerging technologies. The application of new machine learning and deep learning techniques, or GeoAI, represents an exciting research area and an opportunity to chart new courses in geospatial education. This summer, the Research Commons at the University Libraries, Center for Urban and Regional Analysis, and Ohio State's Department of Geography will host a series where presenters will share their experiences teaching GeoAI to the next generation of geospatial professionals and discuss
There are two open positions at my academic library (Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY), seeking dynamic and enthusiastic early to mid-career librarians. Below are summaries of both positions, plus links to the longer position descriptions and application information. Initial application reviews will begin on 20 April 2026. I'm happy to triage questions about the positions to the respective search committee chairs.
Our Australian cousins won't be caught short for long.
The Great Dunny Hunt is back for 2026.
From 23 March to 15 June, people across the country can update public toilets on the National Public Toilet Map, helping millions plan their day with confidence.
Last year, 862 dunnies were added, bringing the total to more than 25,000 nationwide, including one at the top of Mount Kosciuszko.
Mapping Brazil from Within: Remote Sensing, Collaboration, and Counter-Cartographic Perspectives
Julio Pedrassoli
Associate Professor at University of São Paulo (USP)
Adjunct Professor - Western Michigan University (WMU)
MapBiomas Urban Area Mapping Team Coordinator
Julio Pedrassoli is a remote sensing scientist and geographer, holding a PhD in Human Geography from the University of São Paulo (USP). His research focuses on mapping urban expansion and housing–poverty dynamics in the Global South. He is an Associate Professor at USP and Adjunct Professor at Western Michigan University (WMU).
Hi all, our library catalog isn't working correctly at the moment, I know we have these in our collection, but can anyone reference me some publications on mineral resources of the West? Specifically, looking for print maps (not online). I know I have seen many, but I'm not in the office at the moment and wanted to point the patron.
Hi Tony: We have an extensive collection of mineral resource maps for those states in paper format at UC Santa Barbara Library. Most of them are from USGS or state agencies, and primarily range from the 1960s through the 1980s. We don't have any scanning services, so they would need to come in person to view the maps. If interested, they can email [log in to unmask] for more information. Best, Tom
Here is our latest issue of the WAML IB: Volume 57, Number 2 (Spring 2026)<https://waml.org/waml-information-bulletin/volume-57-number-2/>. If you spot any errors, please let me know and I'll fix it asap.
Enjoy!
Best, Sarah
WAML IB Editor
Sarah Zhang, MLIS M.S. Librarian for Geography, GIS, & Maps Simon Fraser University Library
Berkeley has the index sheet for 1:2M Jet Navigation Charts (JNC) online https://digicoll.lib.berkeley.edu/record/104662?v=uv#?xywh=66%2C203%2C1104%2C572
But does anyone have an index for the earlier iteration of this 1:2M series, the USAF Jet Navigation Charts (JN)? Early JN issues covered the Lower 48 with four landscape format sheets: 29, 31, 44 & 45. The JNCs replaced this with three portrait format sheets: 43, 44, & 45, and no longer had any sheets numbered 29 and 31.
Please excuse cross-postings. This message has been distributed widely.
On 6 April 2026, OCLC expects to install changes to WorldCat Validation, including the following new features and enhancements:
* OCLC-MARC Validations of New MARC Codes Announced 11 December 2025-27 January 2026 * Cartographic Data Source Codes * Data Provenance Category Codes * Genre/Form Code and Term Source Codes * Musical Instrumentation and Voice Code Source Codes * Standard Identifier Source Codes * MARC 21 Bibliographic Update No. 41 (Announced December 2025) * MARC 21 Authority Update No. 41 (Announced December 2025) * MARC 21 Holdings Update No. 41 (Announced December
Does anyone out there have sheet 6462 Rogatica in the old Austro-Hungarian 1:75,000 series Spezialkarte der Österreich-Ungarischen Monarchie<https://catalog.lib.uchicago.edu/vufind/Record/2955531?sid=75726741> please?
We have found a microfiche set of the LC’s holdings, but I'd like to get a direct scan of the original sheet for a class next week, if possible.
Hello Brendan, Here is a link to an image of the sheet in question: https://www.loc.gov/resource/gmdsetmaps.2016431073-012/?sp=216&st=image There are several additional editions as well.
LC recently scanned and digitized this whole set: https://www.loc.gov/item/2016431073/
Best regards, Richard Devery
Collections Librarian Library of Congress Geography and Map Division 202-707-1205 [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>
From: Maps-L: Map Librarians, etc. <[log in to unmask]> On Behalf Of Brendan Whyte Sent: Monday, March 30, 2026 6:20 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Austro-Hungary 1:75,000 sheet 6462 needed
On Tue, Mar 31, 2026 at 10:02 AM Brendan Whyte <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Does anyone out there have sheet 6462 Rogatica in the old Austro-Hungarian > 1:75,000 series *Spezialkarte der Österreich-Ungarischen Monarchie* > <https://catalog.lib.uchicago.edu/vufind/Record/2955531?sid=75726741> > please? > > > > We have found a microfiche set of the LC’s holdings, but I'd like to get a > direct scan of the original sheet for a class next week, if possible. > > Any edition(s) is good. > > > > Thanks! > > > > Brendan > >
Thanks Richard! One of the editions shows the railway through Visegrad (while the microfiche version we have does not), so that is most helpful.
Brendan
From: Devery, Richard T <[log in to unmask]> Sent: Tuesday, March 31, 2026 9:19 AM To: 'Maps-L: Map Librarians, etc.' <[log in to unmask]>; Brendan Whyte <[log in to unmask]> Subject: RE: Austro-Hungary 1:75,000 sheet 6462 needed
Hello Brendan, Here is a link to an image of the sheet in question: https://www.loc.gov/resource/gmdsetmaps.2016431073-012/?sp=216&st=image There are several additional editions as well.
Position Title: Head of the American Geographical Society Library Job Category: Academic Staff Employment Type: Regular Job Profile: Library/Archive Manager I Job Duties: Key Job Responsibilities:
* Communicates the strategic direction of the department as determined by leadership * May supervise unit personnel. May hire, train, coach, and evaluate employees to manage and improve performance
Department: UWM Libraries Compensation: $65,000 to $85,000 Job Duties The Golda Meir Library seeks an experienced and creative leader to serve as the head of the American Geographical Society Library (AGSL), one of the oldest, largest, and most distinguished geographical research libraries in North
Just wanted to let you know that there is an entry level position in the Cushing-Evans Map Room, Sterling Evans Library, Texas A&M university, that we have just posted. https://tamus.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/TAMU_External/job/College-Station-TX/Library-Specialist-I_R-091530-1
I'm working to help USGS obtain and(or) create a comprehensive set of scans of its early maps and reports (e.g., Annual Reports, Monographs, ...) and those of the Four Great Surveys of the West. To get there, I was hoping you could advise on the following:
* Do you have recommendations for a large-format flatbed scanner?
Registration for the 11th annual Geo4LibCamp is now open! Where: Perry-Castañeda Library at the University of Texas at Austin When: June 9-11, 2026 Join us in Austin this June to discuss the latest developments in managing and sharing geospatial data. Visit the Geo4LibCamp registration form<https://cvent.utexas.edu/8oBxbE> to sign up to attend! Geo4LibCamp is a hands-on meeting to bring together people working in any area that involves geospatial data. The main focus is to share best practices, solve common problems, address technical issues, and plan for the future of geospatial librarianship. For the purposes of the camp, we broadly define geospatial data
Although I have not been actively engaged in the maps community for a number of years due to being "kicked upstairs," I know many of you old-timers on the list.
After 26 years at Stanford, I am retiring at the end of June. I started out as a map intern in 1998 at Branner Earth Sciences Library at Stanford. I was hired full time as the map librarian in 2000 and rode the geospatial wave that lifted so many of us up for 20 years. It was really an exciting time with the release of Keyhole, which became
I'm also not too active anymore--more "kicked to the map library curb" than "kicked upstairs" 😄--but one thing I'll always remember and appreciate was how welcome I felt at WAML meetings; Julie was a big part of that. I'm grateful to you for that, Julie. It was tough to get out to WAML from DC very often, but you always helped make it worthwhile. Best wishes as you start to put Stanford in the rearview mirror.
Well Julie, all good things must come to an end as they say, so CONGRATS!! And welcome to retirement! You richly deserve to move into the next chapter of your busy life. I want to thank you for being a wonderful colleague all these years, and particularly for the time you spent on the Editorial Board of JMGL while I was co-editor. You have contributed greatly to the profession, both broadly and specifically map librarianship and I hope the administrators of your library fete you with a huge celebration in return for the many years of service to Stanford University,
Hi Julie, and welcome to the club! I remember best your welcoming presence at WAML, your generosity in helping me with map questions, and your visits and advice when we were at CSU Northridge and elsewhere trying to figure out how to digitize the Sanborn atlases. The class you taught at the California Rare Book School on Maps and Geospatial Information at Berkeley was one of the highlights of my professional life! And visiting David at his home was a once-in-a-lifetime treat!
I want to add my appreciation to you, Julie. I remember you going "above and beyond" to help me find maps as a grad student in Zephyr Frank and Erik Steiner's Spatial History class!
Julie, We have certainly enjoyed the WAML meetings you hosted at Stanford and we have also enjoyed your friendship. You can always still attend WAML meetings even though you're retired. We still do when we can because we like the WAMLites so much.
Enjoy your retirement and take care.
Kathy Rankin and John Stevens
On Wed, Mar 25, 2026, 8:26 AM Taylor-Poleskey, Molly G < [log in to unmask]> wrote:
Last December, the Data Rescue Project (DRP) finished an initiative to download and archive over 400 geospatial data layers <https://www.datarescueproject.org/hifld-data-saved/> from the defunct HIFLD Open repository to DataLumos <https://www.datalumos.org/datalumos/search/studies?q=hifld%20open>, an ICPSR-sponsored repository for federal government datasets.
The Public Environmental Data Partners and Fulton Ring have launched a new community-shaped hub <https://hifld.publicenvirodata.org/> for finding, previewing and downloading GIS data collections, and its debut “HIFLD Next” collection is built on this rescued dataset. The portal increases the accessibility of the HIFLD Open data, with enhanced options for searching, previewing attribute tables and layers, and downloading or streaming data in a
Tony, Our catalog states we have it (see attachment of the catalog entry), but it also says it is “microform”. I haven’t checked the map itself. If nobody else has a PDF of it, please let me know and I will see what I can do. Milan
Milan Pohontsch Cataloger Brigham Young University Provo campus Cell: 801-228-7583
From: Maps-L: Map Librarians, etc. <[log in to unmask]> On Behalf Of Diaz, Tony A. Sent: Thursday, March 12, 2026 12:21 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Would anyone have a pdf scan of this open file report?
Preliminary geologic map of the Sunland 7.5' quadrangle, southern California: A digital database | U.S. Geological Survey<https://www.usgs.gov/publications/preliminary-geologic-map-sunland-75-quadrangle-southern-california-a-digital-database>
The Leventhal Map & Education Center at the Boston Public Library is currently conducting two job searches. Please feel very welcome to share with your networks:
Curator or Associate Curator of Maps & Geography (Apply by March 30, 2026) https://www.leventhalmap.org/about/jobs/curator-or-associate-curator-of-maps-geography/
Gallery & Visitor Services Coordinator (Apply by March 20, 2026) https://www.leventhalmap.org/about/jobs/gallery-visitor-services-coordinator/
There comes a time when pages must be turned, and new chapters begin. So, after 37 years of service to the library profession, 35 of those as a Maps/GIS Librarian, I will be retiring at the end of March 2026. It's been a wonderful career and a joy working with many of you in the GIS and map library world. Thank you for all the assistance and advice you give on this list, it has helped me tremendously in the work I have done here at SU and in past positions to promote and excite patrons to the
And thank you for your past help with antipodean questions on Norwegian ONCs and Long Island street names.
Brendan
Dr Brendan Whyte, FRGS AFRHistS Curator and Head of the Map Collection The University of Chicago Library 1100 E. 57th St., Room 369 Chicago, IL 60637
(773) 702 4103 [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>
From: Maps-L: Map Librarians, etc. <[log in to unmask]> On Behalf Of John A Olson Sent: Thursday, March 12, 2026 7:49 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Retiring Map Librarian
CONGRATULATIONS JOHN!! And welcome (soon) to the sometimes-but-mostly world of retirement. On some days I find I miss the structure of my former map cataloging life but most days not. What is truly hard to believe is how fast time continues to whiz by, I will hit three years of retirement at the end of September this year.
