The following two messages give different views on the question Jim Minton raised about pricing gift maps and Map Librarians putting a dollar value estimate of maps. I do not like to give estimates on the dollar value of maps. I can give estimates of other types of value for a map because I work with those variables all the time. You ask me the dollar value of a current map and I can give an estimate based on what I purchase. Older material presents a problem. I can look in the Jolly books, estimate the condition of the map, and come up with a figure. But only those Map Librarians that deal with older material, and the purchase of such material, as the major part of their work, can give an estimate that I would consider solid. The professional dealers should be the source of these value estimates. It is their job. However what do you do with the NGS maps, and others, that may have not yet made it to the dealer's world?? This is where Jim's question raises the most problems for Map Librarians. I have seen NGS maps in flea markets and used book stores offered for between $1 and $3. I have also seen older NGS maps that are semi-mounted in higher class used book stores where the price was in the $30 to $40 range. The dollar value of these and other 'used' maps are determined, just as for a Blaeu, by market factors that are outside the general map library world. Is there a source for the value of these used maps??? Where is the market?? I would never buy an old NGS map for the collection because I will get copies as gifts. Johnnie ---------------------------------------------------- Re: PRICES OF GIFT MAPS Wed, 29 Sep 93 13:09:03 -0700 [log in to unmask] If I remember correctly from what I found out at the time that the regs. changed (I was at the Colorado School of Mines Library at the time, which receives LOTS of gifts), the IRS is unlikely to believe any estimates for map values unless they are: 1. given by appraisers who do that sort of work for a living; 2. from some publication, such as the Jolly Antique maps .... Also - I have to admit that since I don't sell maps, I don't have the faintest idea what eg an NGS map is worth, beyond "whatever the market will bear," which is not in the least helpful. And I seem to remember from a library school class x number of years ago that it is dangerous to give out any info relating to ANYTHING, but especially to anything having to do with money or a legal matter, that the librarian can not point to a printed/online source and say,"This source says this." Mary L. Larsgaard, Map & Imagery Lab, UCSB --------------------------------------------------- Wed, 29 Sep 1993 14:04 MST DEBBIE LORDS <[log in to unmask]> Re: PRICES OF GIFT MAPS I agree with Jim. No, HE can't supply the numbers, but something is RADICALLY wrong if a map librarian, who does collection development/purchasing for her/his library, is not considered an expert in the field. (I'm not involved with that so I can't supply numbers [sorry, Jim] ). But Good Grief! When someone asks me about what kind of computer they should buy for their home, I don't quote them an ALA rule about objectivity, I consult with them and help them find an ANSWER! If someone were to ask me what are a couple of good basic DOS books that they could buy -- I'd tell them! I'd give my educated, informed view. Y'all are educated in the value of maps. Who are better experts? Plus, the IRS would only challenge it if it were a really outrageous sum, like one NGS map worth $500,000. Debra Lords Marriott Library Univ. of Utah SLC, UT 84112 (801)581-4002 dlords@edu-utah-lib-alexandria