Map Cataloging Workshop Schedule
Buffalo & Erie County Public Libraries
May 20, 2010

David J. Bertuca, Map Librarian
University Libraries, University at Buffalo

Workshop Goals

Maps and cartographic materials (e.g., maps, charts, satellite and aerial photographs, atlases) constitute a large body of important items that have value in all fields of life and learning. Libraries may have special collections or just small files of maps. Either way, these items generally are not given the full access that books and standard format items do. Sometimes this is because there are not enough maps to catalog regularly, or there is no policy regarding this format. No matter what the reason, few institutions have map catalogers, or specialists in working with cartographic materials alone.

Breaks and hands on practice sessions will be included as the day progresses.

Introductions

• Workshop Introductions
• Maps and Cartographic Resources: Description of the format and related items
• How to read a map
• Map Features and Types (i.e., topographic, planimetric, etc.)

Cataloging: Description

• How to read a map for description
• Physical data sources, measuring, parts of a map, useful elements to describe
• Translating English to MARC
• Author, Title, Statement of Responsibility, Edition, Series, Added titles, etc.
• Important features of the map not covered in author/title/responsibility statements
• Physical Attributes (no. of pieces, color, type of map, dimensions, accompanying materials)

Cataloging: Description 2

• Mathematical data (Scale, Projection, Coordinates)
  • Map Scale determination (when not apparent)
  • Map Projection Basics
  • Coordinates and Alternate Systems

Break

Cataloging: Description 3

• Descriptive Notes
  • Order of Note Fields (LC Manual)
  • Quoted notes / Creation notes / Languages / Physical features represented (e.g., contours) / Numerical and other elements / Verso description / Insets, Ancillary Maps, Legends, Index and other elements

Lunch

Cataloging: Subject Analysis

• Library of Congress Subject Headings
  • Subdivisions / Free-Floaters
  • Call Numbers
    • LC Call Numbers
      • Call Numbers for maps in series
    • SuDoc numbers
      • Reading SuDoc numbers
        
    • Geo-code variable fields

Break

2:45-3:30

Other

• Problems in Map Cataloging
• Searching for Records (OCLC, other)
• Two maps on one sheet
• One map on multiple sheets
• Maps accompanying books
• Undated maps (determining date/range)
• Atlases
  • Elements
  • difference from “Books” format
  • LC Call Numbers

3:30-5:00

Review–Specific Topics

• Summary
• Developing Map-Cat Tools (i.e., Personal, Online, etc.)
• Where else to go for assistance
• Questions, Comments...

Process for Cataloging Maps

• Read map data to determine form and content
• Describe the physical map and interpret this description into MARC format
• Create notes
• Formulate LC call numbers
• Create subject headings and subdivisions
• Find map and geographical information (both print and online resources)
• Develop resources to assist with map cataloging (both published tools and personal ones).

Workshop Goals

This workshop is intended to provide basic to intermediate instruction on cataloging maps and cartographic materials. By use of examples and discussion, attendees will be able to catalog such items. At the end of the workshop, participants will:

• learn about the MARC maps format and what items are included
• learn procedures for cataloging maps, including how to:
  • read map data to determine its form and content
  • describe the physical map and interpret this description into MARC format
  • create notes
  • formulate LC call numbers
  • create subject headings and subdivisions
  • find map and geographical information (both print and online resources)
  • develop resources to assist with map cataloging (both published tools and personal ones).

This workshop will also be useful for librarians who need to handle map and geography reference questions.

Through the use of examples and short exercises with real maps, participants will be able to practice and develop a feel for what is needed to produce catalog records. Examples will include both common and unusual pieces, which will be matched to catalog records to help visualize the creation of the records.

Materials covered in the workshop will include the key tools, such as AACR2, Cataloging Service Bulletins, LC Schedule G, LC Subject Headings, LC Map Cataloging Manual, and others. Participants will also be shown resources developed by associations of map librarians, and resources developed by the instructor to assist in map cataloging.

Participants may wish to bring a map (either unique or common) that can be cataloged on-site. The instructor will bring examples and the corresponding catalog records along with various tools used to catalog.

Useful tools: ruler, Metric tape measure, pencils, scrap paper, worksheets.

Additional References

• Map Cataloger's Tool Box (Your page is connected to the Tool Box).
  • Maps and Cartographic Materials Cataloging.
  • Map Cataloging Workshop notes.
• Why Catalog Maps? Includes a bibliography for map catalogers.
• MARC Format for Maps.
• Map Cataloging Policies page (Yale Univ.). Basic guide and checklist. Useful for working with: Maps in Books, Atlases not composite, Composite Atlases.
• Cataloger's Desktop and FAQ page (has powerpoint tutorials to help learn the system).

Last Modified: 19 May 2010
URL: http://www.DavidBertuca.net/maps/cat/map-cataloging-workshop-becpl.html
Comments Welcome
Back to: Map Cataloger's Tool Box
Back to: Cataloging Resources

The materials selected above do not necessarily reflect the procedures and practices of the State University of New York at Buffalo.