GENERAL PURPOSE

The Map Library has the primary responsibility for selecting, housing, and developing collections of cartographic materials. The Map Library supports reference, teaching, and research needs of the University of Tennessee campus.

Subject Description

The collection is format driven and includes cartographic, geographic, and spatial data. The Map Library relies on collection development policies in specific subject areas for the identification of geographic parameters and collection intensity levels.

Overlap with Other Subjects

The collection is multi-disciplinary in nature. Key areas are geography, geology, and history. Because of the multi-disciplinary nature of maps and other cartographic materials, cooperation with other selectors and faculty is highly desirable in selecting materials to support the various subjects. Cartographic materials may be held at other University of Tennessee branch Libraries. The selector for cartographic materials works closely with selectors in other disciplines to help support allied fields and avoid unnecessary duplication of resources.

SCOPE

Languages Collected and Excluded

Emphasis is on English language materials; however, materials in other languages are collected. English language translations of legends and symbol sheets are acquired when available.

Geographic Parameters

The Map Library strives to collect and maintain a collection with worldwide coverage in support of the geographic interests of University academic programs. Materials related to Tennessee, and the Great Smoky Mountains are intensively collected.

Chronological Scope

Materials depicting all eras, both physical and human, are acquired.

Dates of Publication

Emphasis is on current publications. Retrospective acquisitions are made when special funds are available or when they are received as gifts.

TYPES OF MATERIALS

Inclusions

Map abstracts, acquisitions lists, bibliographies, dictionaries, reports, and other books relating to maps, mapping, cartography, and the use of cartographic materials are collected.

Exclusions

Newspapers, theses, dissertations, statistical abstracts, local histories, and proceedings not related to maps and mapping are not actively collected. Original historical maps are not actively purchased for the Map Library. Gifts of appropriate historical maps may be accepted on approval of subject selector.

The Map Library collects books, sheet maps, atlases, aerial photographs, globes, radar imagery, satellite imagery, relief models, and reprint facsimile maps. There are no restrictions placed on formats of materials collected. Cartographic materials are collected on paper, plastic, computer disks/tapes, DVD/video tapes, microfiche, and other electronic media. When possible, materials will be selected in a format that allows for the widest access (e.g., digital formats that can be distributed via the Internet).

Internet Based Materials

The Map Library actively evaluates, manages, and provides access to free and fee based Internet resources.

COOPERATION WITH OTHER LIBRARIES

Agreements

Through a formal agreement with Memphis State University and other libraries, the Map Library serves as the Regional Government Printing Office depository library for the state of Tennessee for cartographic materials. The Map Library also receives materials from the U.S. Geological Survey Library by virtue of an informal agreement. The University of Tennessee Libraries has a formal agreement with the U.S. Geological Survey to serve as the office for Tennessee's Earth Science Information Center (ESIC). Under this agreement, the Map Library gains access to a nationwide network of cartographic information. Additionally, the Center for Research Libraries supplies various cartographic products including microfilm copies of the Sanborn Insurance maps. Portions of maps may be emailed, faxed or photocopied and transmitted to University of Tennessee library users.

Position Responsible for Collection

Map/GIS Librarian, Greg March

Corresponding Fund

Most cartographic materials are purchased from the Map fund, while some map- related items are purchased from geological sciences or geography funds. In addition, the Kenwill Inc. Cartographic Fund may be used to purchase materials.

Other Factors

None

November 10, 2006