Map Librarianship: 3rd edition: An Introduction

Citation

Walker, P. (1999), "Map Librarianship: 3rd edition: An Introduction", Library Review, Vol. 48 No. 6, pp. 58-58. https://doi.org/10.1108/lr.1999.48.6.58.21

This is the third edition of Mary Larsgaard′s authoritative text. It is intended to serve those who deal with maps and spatial‐data, be they students or librarians who have responsibility for such collections. The focus is on theory, techniques and practices and on the practical short term and long term aspects of dealing with spatial‐data. The book can be used as a classroom text, a working manual, and a reference source. The author′s knowledge of the subject has evolved over nearly 30 years of experience of working in the field, in three American university libraries. However, the points made in this volume very often apply to public and special libraries, and to collections in other countries. The author, however, does not cover architectural plans as this is an area in which she has no expertise. The author has kept the same title as previous editions, while at the same time using, when appropriate, the phrase “spatial data”, instead of “cartographic materials”. This new phrase is a development of the last five years. A problem had surfaced with many people believing that the word “cartographic” somehow limited the discussion to maps, which it does not.

The object of this book is to provide timely, practical, information, a survey of current practice, and guidance in choosing specific procedures. It does not cover the history or interpretation of cartography. The arrangement of information in the book parallels the steps a librarian would take in dealing with spatial data, starting with selection and acquisition. Successive chapters deal with classification, cataloguing, storage, care and repair, reference services, public relations and education. The main body of the text is followed by a bibliography. This is followed in turn by appendices which provide lists of relevant CD ROMs, citations to general book‐format publications for the collection, citations on projections, citations on cataloguing, a sample free‐request form, draft cataloguing rules for spatial data in digital form, addresses for manufacturers of globes and raised relief maps, and addresses of selected suppliers of equipment. The only problem is that all of these suppliers and manufacturers are US‐based. The whole volume is indexed by author, title, and subject. There is also a useful list of abbreviations, as these are widely used throughout the text.

The major change from previous editions is the addition of information on spatial data in digital form, which has meant far‐reaching changes throughout the field. This seems to be an area which the author has found difficult to come to terms with, being more of a “traditionalist”. Indeed this will be her last edition of Map Librarianship, preferring instead to leave future work to the “new kids on the block”. The writing style is very informal. This seems to be in an effort to make the work as easy as possible to get through and to reflect the author′s feelings that working in this field can be a great deal of fun, as well as hard work! The whole book is profusely illustrated with charts, profiles and diagrams and is a valuable addition to the shelves of any map or special collections library, as well as being essential reading to any current or prospective “spatial data” librarian, specialist or technician.