Map Cataloging: General Resources (including toolboxes)

Good Starting Points

• Map Cataloging Basics. MAGIRT workshop guide. Covers a bit of everything needed to work with maps.
• Cataloger's Learning Workshop (LOC). Training workshops, tutorials, and other materials for getting started and for continued learning.
• Map Librarian's Toolbox (Western Association of Map Libraries (WAML)). The most complete selection of materials for map cataloging.
• Library of Congress Geography & Maps Division. LC cataloging info is located here. Some specific links are:
  • USMARC Geographic Area Codes
  • USMARC Language Codes
  • USMARC Standards Page
  • Subject Headings Authority Search page.
  • Cataloging & Policy Support Office page (LC). Links to codes, rule interpretations, subject heading changes, and many other cataloging resources.
  • OCLC Bibliographic Formats and Standards. OCLC guide to fields for catalogers.
  • Schedule G: Special Instructions and Tables of Subdivisions for Cartographic Materials. The tables for map call numbers.
    • ALA-LC Romanization Tables. 1997 edition has been digitized into page images.
  • List of LC subdivisions for maps. LCSH subdivision list (David Bertuca).
  • Map Librarian's Toolbox (Western Association of Map Libraries (WAML)). Great site. See also their Map Cataloging Resources page. This is a good starting place for the map cataloger.

• Map Cataloging. (Terry Reese, librarian, Oregon State University). Many nice features and accessories for map catalogers, as well as links to more tool sites.
• Map Cataloging Links. (Sharon Saunders at Bates Univ. Lib.) Good sources. She also lists many good cataloging and format specific cataloging links.
• MAGIRT Electronic Publications (Map and Geospatial Information Roundtable of the American Library Association) electronic publications for map catalogers.
• Cataloging Resources page. All sorts of links for cataloging any format.
• Librarian's Toolbox (OCLC). For cataloging in all formats. Also link to the OCLC Home page.
• Cataloging Documentation (Princeton) all topics. Select from index. Not all links work but has good material, though some is for Princeton practices alone.
• Government Documents Map Cataloging (US GPO/Superintendent of Documents (SuDoc). Tools to assist when working with SuDoc/GPO records for maps, including:
  • Federal Depository Library Program Desktop (FDLP).
    • Cataloging & SuDoc Classification
• Guide to the Cartographic Products of the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP). Michele Shular, 2006 (MAGIRT Electronic Publications Series, no. 6.). Lists SuDoc numbers/Item numbers for virtually all U.S. government map publications.
• Mapping Fundamentals. From The MathWorks Map Toolbox. This section of their website features map basics (i.e., What is a Map?). The site is mainly for their mapping software, but there is some helpful data here on general map concepts.

Map and Cartography Resources

• Geography & Maps Resources Guide (University at Buffalo Libraries). Links to a wide variety of map-related topics, resources, collections, etc.
• Cartographic Reference Resources (Perry-Castañeda Library Map Collection, Univ. of Texas/Austin). Has many links to resources: Gazetteers, Distance Calculators, Time, Zones, Sun, And, Moon, Rise/Set, Calculators, Tides, Map, Projections, Map, Scale, Glossaries, and, Guides.
• How to Read Maps (Geography/Map Library, U Indiana, Bloomington). Basics, with links to USGS and other pages.
• How to read a map. Simple instructional page covers all basics.
• USGS Maps. Online examples of various types of maps.
• Map Curator's Toolbox. An online source of information and help for map curators, librarians and archivists, sponsored by the Map Curators' Group of the British Cartographic Society.

Physical Description

General Information about USGS Topographic Maps

Classification (Call Numbers)

• Schedule G call numbers. Basic guide with tutorials and examples.
  • Library of Congress Schedule G Samples: Indonesia and Alaska.
• Standard Cutter Number Table
• Library of Congress Classification Scheme for Cartographic Materials (by Tsering Wangyal Shawa). List of main number sequences for continents and oceans.
• G Schedule Calculator (Terry Reese, Oregon State University). Enter place and get call number listings.

Dates

• Date Determination for Call Numbers and Publisher Fields (090/260/Dates). See also: 260 field.
• Date Codes for Maps. Some specific examples relating to dates by publishers. Useful when working with maps by various companies. Does not explain the way dates reflect the item being cataloged.
• Hagstrom Map Company Publication Code. Many map publishers use codes to describe the date of their maps or atlases. Here is an example of one of these systems to assist you in determining map dates.

Map Projections

• Map Projection Examples. Basic visual introduction.
• Map Projection Overview (Peter H. Dana, the Geographer's Craft Project, Department of Geography, The University of Colorado at Boulder). Good source for geography/mapping resources. Explains map projections using images and text. Also has explanations for other geography tools such as GPS, reading map coordinates, and geographic datum.
• Gallery of Map Projections. Nicely arranged, comprehensive set of sample projections.
• How map projection changes map dimensions. As printed maps showing the same longitude move from North to South, their physical width increases or decreases to maintain scale.
• Introduction to Map Projections (Laurie Garo, University N.C., Charlotte).
• Map Projection Home Page (Karen Mulcahy). Site explains map projections, showing examples. Includes some amusing exercises in projections.
• Map Projection Software. Create projections using a variety of tools.
• Map Projections (U Colo.). Pages devoted to map projections.
• Map Projection Math (MathWorld). If you want to see map projections along with the mathematical formulae that produce them, this is the site to visit.

Map Scale

Map scale, or Representative Fraction (RF), is a ratio representing the relationship between a specified distance on a map and the actual distance on the ground. For example, at the scale of 1:50 000, 1 unit of measurement on the map equals 50 000 units of the same measurement on the ground. Map scale is frequently expressed as a representative fraction and graphically as a bar scale.

• USGS Map Scales brochure. Explains scales.
• Scale Calculator. Enter scale, it tells you how many inches/cm per mile/km. Also has linear conversion calculator. Another Scale Calculator.
• Finding the Scale of Aerial Photographs. On ways to determine scale of photographs through investigation of features in the photograph and comparison to maps.
• Map Scales (USGS Fact Sheet 015-02.

Map Coordinates

• Latitude. A site at Rice University that offers the basic history of the development of latitude
• Coordinate Systems Overview (University of Colorado, Boulder, Department of Geography). Covers all sorts of systems; good for identifying and describing a map in hand.

Map Series (Titles)

• Index Maps for AMS Series / U.S. Army Map Service and GSGS / Great Britain. War Office. General Staff. Geographical Section. (UC Berkeley).

Mathematical Data

• Mathematical Data for Bibliographic Descriptions of Cartographic Materials and Spatial Data. By Jan Smits, Map Curator, Koninklijke Bibliotheek (Netherlands). All sorts of descriptions and data for map catalogers.

Subject Headings

Gazetteers

Sample Maps

• Sample Map Catalog Record (MARC tagged OCLC record)
• Map Indexes
• Aeronautical Charts
• Antiquarian and Rare Maps
• Nautical Charts
  • Example showing isolines and soundings
• Topographic Maps. This link explains topographic maps, especially those produced by the USGS. It has history, desrciption of terms and symbols, etc. For catalogers, the following provides a detailed description of a topo map in relation to where the data is input on a catalog record:

• Dover West, NH Quadrangle map, showing details of descriptive elements for catalogers.
• Example showing contours and spot heights
• Sample map (also see a 3-D version of this same map)
• Buffalo 1:24,000
• Lockport 1:100,000
• Topographic Maps. USGS page describing terms and concepts relating to topo maps. Also see the USGS Topographical Map Symbols page for a list of symbols and their meanings.
  • Topographic map symbols are usually self-explanatory, however, there are many symbols that only show up on some maps and are not as common. Topographic map symbols, landforms, and map examples are also on a geology website (California State University, Sacramento).
• Transportation Maps
• Political Maps
  • India
• Thematic Maps
  • Tectonic Map of Africa
  • Land Use Map of Arizona
  • Population Map: European Community Countries
  • New Mexico Recreation Map
• Aerial Photos
• Atlases
• Virtual Maps (GIS produced)
• Satellite Images
• More Sample Maps
• Sample Portions of Maps to explain various map features.

Associations That Include Map Catalogers and Map Librarians

• Map and Geospatial Information Round Table (MAGIRT) (ALA roundtable; formerly MAGERT). The best place to find others who catalog and provide reference for maps and cartographic materials. Has pages, including:
  • Cataloging & Classification Committee. Map catalogers section of MAGIRT.
  • How to Get Help from Colleagues.
  • MAGIRT has a number of publications available online, including:
    • base line. For map librarians, map catalogers, and collections; includes news and reviews of new maps and cartographic materials.
    • Coordinates. (Coordinates: Online Journal of the Map and Geospatial Information Round Table, American Library Association) e-journal only. Articles on maps, geography, and map collections.
• American Library Association ALCTS CCS /MAGIRT Map Cataloging Discussion Group. The ALA Cataloging Division and MAGIRT work together on map cataloging guidelines and policies.
• Special Libraries Association Geography and Map Division. Composed of map catalogers and librarians. it is a good place to learn and to meets with others in the field.
• North East Map Organization. (NEMO) is a group dedicated to serving as a unifying body for all who use, produce, collect, and market maps and cartographic information in the Northeast; increasing communication between all interested in maps; and working with state, regional, and national organizations and government agencies in dissemination of maps and cartographic information. NEMO's principal region is CT, DE, ME, MA, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT. Has links to map cataloging pages.
• Western Association of Map Libraries (WAML). Very good site for finding help on map cataloging. The most important page (for map catalogers) is the Map Librarian's Toolbox.
• Association of Canadian Map Libraries and Archives (CMLA) home page. Also has a toolbox for catalogers..
• Cataloging Team page (Library of Congress, Geography & Map Reading Room). Provides some useful documents and advice.
• IFLA Section of Geography and Map Libraries
• List of Professional Societies. Contains most above, plus more.

Metasites for Maps and Map Collections

• Universiteit Utrecht, Odden's Bookmarks: The Fascinating World of Maps and Mapping Hundreds of map collection links. The ultimate place to go for any map available.
• Perry-Castañeda Library Map Collection (University of Texas at Austin). Has digitized a portion of its print collection (over 3,000) of historic and contemporary maps. Many of the maps are U.S. government originals, which may be downloaded and used without copyright restrictions. Also has links to good web sites for maps worldwide. Main map arrangement is by continent, further broken down into regional and city maps, among other categories. Also at this website are Cartographic Reference Resources.
• Using Maps in your Teaching. How to use maps for teaching and research, where to find maps online and from publishers, and almost anything you want to know about maps and map making, as well as on geography. Has extensive links to maps and charts of all sorts.
• USGS Maps and Aerial Photo Images Online. Compilation of links to selected USGS Business and Cooperative Research and Development Agreement partner sites where you may view USGS maps and aerial photo images from your Web browser. Also see the USGS National Map of the United States, and geography site.

Map Sellers

• USGS Products and Publications page. Any maps, books, and related materials from the U.S. Government. Also has links to pages describing maps, how to read maps, etc. USGS Topographic Maps page.
  • Topos may be downloaded at no charge on the USGS Topographic Maps download site. You will have to print these yourself..
• Omni Resources Map Catalog. Complete selection of maps from government and commercial sources. Also links to many cartographic and geographic information sites.

Allen, David Y. Metadata Primer for Map Librarians (MAGIRT). Discusses what metadata is, how it is obtained, and how it represents data from a map. (MAGIRT Electronic Publications Series, no. 3.).

Andrew, Paige G. Cataloging Sheet Maps: the Basics. New York: Haworth, 2003. (cover)

Andrew, Paige G.; Larsgaard, Mary Lynette. Maps And Related Cartographic Materials: Cataloging, Classification, And Bibliographic Control. New York: Haworth Information Press, 1999. Also issued as: Cataloging & classification quarterly; v. 27, no. 1/2-3/4.

Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules / prepared under the direction of the Joint Steering Committee for Revision of AACR, a committee of the American Library Association ... [et al.]. Latest edition: 2002. "Chapter 1. General Rules for Description;" "Chapter 3. Cartographic Materials." (cover page )

Clark, Suzanne M. Cartographic Citations: a Style Guide. Chicago: Map and Geography Round Table, American Library Association, 1992. (MAGIRT circular; no. 1).

Current Literature on Geographic Information Systems and Libraries (Lloyd Reeds Map Collection, McMaster University Libraries). Though these represent a different format, GIS produced maps may fall into the Maps format. Also has additional articles on maps.

Directory Of Web Resources For The Rare Materials Cataloger. Rare Books and Manuscripts Section, Association of College and Research Libraries. Not for maps specifically; has links to code tables and other cataloging aids.

Guidelines for Distinguishing Cartographic Electronic Resources from other Electronic Resources (Jan 1998; Rev Dec 2001). Developed by the Library of Congress to assist catalogers working with cartographic electronic resources to distinguish them from other types of electronic resources and to ensure consistent selection of the correct MARC Type of Record code based on that distinction.

Journal of Map & Geography Libraries: Advances in Geospatial Information, Collections & Archives (2004-  ). Co-edited by Mary Lynette Larsgaard, MA, and Paige G. Andrew. Journal that will include map cataloging along with other articles and tools for map librarians.

Karrow, Robert W. Manual For the Cataloguing of Antiquarian Cartographic Materials. Chicago : Newberry Library, 2000 1977.

Larsgaard, Mary Lynette. "Cataloguing Planetospatial Data in Digital Form: Old Wine, New Bottles - New Wine, Old Bottles", pp.17-30 in: Smith and Gluck (eds.), Geographic Information Systems and Libraries: Patrons, Maps, and Spatial Information. (Graduate School of Library and Information Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1996). For digital maps.

Larsgaard, Mary Lynette. Map Librarianship: an Introduction. 3rd ed. Englewood, Colo.: Libraries Unlimited, 1998. Z692.M3 L37 1998. (see 2nd ed. cover).

Library of Congress. Cataloging Division. Cataloging Service Bulletin, 1978- (quarterly). (cover)

Library of Congress. Cataloging Division. Library of Congress Rule Interpretations. 2nd Ed., 1989.

Library of Congress. Geography and Map Division. Map Cataloging Manual. Washington, D.C.: Cataloging Distribution Service, Library of Congress, 1991. Z695.6 .L52 1991. The most complete listing for map cataloging in the MARC format. Has field-by-field listings with interpretations and many examples. Also available to subscribers on the Cataloger's Desktop. There is a website that provides key materials from the Map Cataloging Manual.

Library of Congress. Subject Cataloging Division. Class G, Geography, Maps, Anthropology, Recreation: Library of Congress Classification Schedules : A Cumulation of Additions and Changes Through 1991. Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Inc., 1992.

Map Cataloging Bibliography: Selectively Annotated. edited by Glenda Jo Fox Hughes and Constance Demetracopoulos. Washington: Special Libraries Association, Geography and Map Division, 1997.

Map, GIS and Cataloging /Metadata Librarian Core Competencies MAGERT Education Committee and subcommittees on GIS Librarian Core Competencies, Map Librarian Core Competencies, Cataloging and Metadata Core Competencies, 2008.

Moore, Barbara N. A Manual of AACR2 Examples For Cartographic Materials. edited by Edward Swanson and Marilyn H. McClaskey. Lake Crystal, Minn.: Soldier Creek Press: Published for the Minnesota AACR2 Trainers, 1981. Z695.6 .M6.

Moulder, Cathy. "GIS and Libraries: Issues and Implications" Bulletin (Association of Canadian Map Libraries and Archives) 94 (Fall 1995):11-14.

OCLC Bibliographic Formats and Standards. Field guide and help pages for cataloging in MARC.

Shular, Michele. Guide to the Cartographic Products of the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP), 2006 (MAGIRT Electronic Publications Series, no. 6.).

Additional reference materials are found at the WAML website.

Guide Author: David J. Bertuca

Last Update: 14 March 2013

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