World by Number

World by Place

Samples

Map in series (each sheet has its own number)
G4411.C5 s250 b .M49 hoja H12-11

Look for the "s" and number. Above, this represents the series of maps at scale 1:250,000 (the last 3 digits are removed). "hoja" means "sheet" in Spanish.

Map in series (each sheet has its own number. This is a 1:1,000,000 scale series).
G3201.C5 s1000 b .A49 NE-12

Formulating Numbers (Schedule G)

Each geographic entity has a 5-number sequence that is used to describe subareas from general to specific. For each main number, the subnumbers are:

• 0 or 5 General maps
• 1 or 6 Thematic maps
• 2 or 7 Regions, natural features etc.
• 3 or 8 Major political division (states, provinces, counties, districts maps)
• 4 or 9 Cities or towns maps.

Outline Maps of the Continents and Other Area Divisions

Schedule G Lists of the Continents, Countries, and Other Divisions

Using the Map Tables

Classification Web. LC Online call number database. Also has data links to subject headings that correspond to call numbers.

Schedule G: Special Instructions and Tables of Subdivisions for Cartographic Materials. The tables for map call numbers.

Dates

Dates in call numbers reflect the "date of situation" or the date the the map data represents (not necessarily the same as date of publication). In addition, a publication date may also be present. See: Date Codes for Maps, a list for determining dates on maps by specific publishers.

Determining Date of Situation

Except for an item classed as history, in subject Cutter category S , the date in the call number represents the date of information or situation, not the date of publication. Examples:

If there is no indication of the date of situation on the item, it is usually assumed to be the same as the publication date.

A date of situation cited on an item is used in the call number, unless there is good evidence that the date is wrong. Example:

Many maps of Israel have this main title, or a similar title. It is not a date of situation for the map generally, but only a date of situation for the cease-fire lines. This type of determination can only be made with some experience in cataloging materials for the area.

The year of the date of information given on a work is used as the year in the call number, even if the information date is the first or last day of the year. Examples:

When the date in the call number differs from the publication date, the cataloging record must contain some justification for the discrepancy, whether in the title, edition statement, statement of responsibility, notes, etc.

When the date of situation is a BC date, the call number date is transcribed simply as BC. Example:

When the date in the call number is based on a range of dates from the edition or the publication, distribution, etc. area, the earlier date is used in the call number. Examples:

When the date in the call number is based on a range of dates for information depicted, the later date is used in the call number. Examples:

If a map has been described as From ... or Appears in ... an atlas the date of information for the call number is the date of information, if any, form the item in hand rather than from the atlas.

Forest Service Maps

The date of situation of a U.S. Forest Service map is the latest date on the item, regardless of whether this date is the date of publication, revision, compilation, etc. Except do not use a printing date on a U.S. Forest Service map for a date of situation. The printing date on these maps can be used in the imprint (e.g., ( 1989 printing )) and/or as a quoted note.

Date of Publication

When a item has a history subject Cutter the date in the call number is the same as the date in the publication, distribution, etc. area, since the history cutter itself suggests a general date of situation.

References

• Andrew, Paige G. "Classification Using the LC G-Schedule" Chapter 15, In: Cataloging Sheet Maps: the Basics. New York: Haworth, 2003.
• Larsgaard, Mary Lynette. Map Librarianship: An Introduction. Second Edition. Littleton, Colorado, Libraries Unlimited, Inc. 1987
• Library of Congress, Subject Cataloguing Division. Classification: Class G; Geography, Maps, Anthropology, Recreation. 4th ed. Washington, Library of Congress. 1976
• Nichols, Harold. Map Librarianship. 2nd Edition. London, Clive Bingley Ltd. 1982.
• Parry, R.B. & Perkins, C.R. Information Sources in Cartography. London, Bowker-Suar Ltd. 1990.
• Wallis, H. "The Role of a National Map Library" Cartographic Journal 3 (1966): 11-13.

David J. Bertuca, Map Librarian, University at Buffalo.
Created 26 October 2000

Last Modified: 7 September 2009
URL: http://www.DavidBertuca.net/maps/cat/schedule_g.html
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The materials selected above do not necessarily reflect the policies and procedures of the State University of New York at Buffalo.