Metadata, Organization
How We Classify Our Maps
The Western American Watershed Map Archive has its physical collection in Provo, UT. After much consideration, we decided to organize our collection using the Library of Congress classification scheme. This was chosen over others because it relies on geography as a point of reference and is very good at breaking down large maps into smaller areas of concentration, and it gives attention to topical maps such as the ones with which we deal (Andrew, 2003). Below, we will include a description of how this scheme works when classifying the Great Basin in Nevada:
The Western American Watershed Map Archive has its physical collection in Provo, UT. After much consideration, we decided to organize our collection using the Library of Congress classification scheme. This was chosen over others because it relies on geography as a point of reference and is very good at breaking down large maps into smaller areas of concentration, and it gives attention to topical maps such as the ones with which we deal (Andrew, 2003). Below, we will include a description of how this scheme works when classifying the Great Basin in Nevada:
G4352
.G7 (date) (cartographer) (Sprecht, 2009). |
-All maps are under LC classification 'G.' The number after G defines where it is (in this case, Nevada). The fourth digit defines what kind of map it is (the Great Basin is a region, and '2' denotes that). These are called the Classification Letter and Classification Number.
-Because this is a region, the 2nd row is the Geographic Area Cutter, which denotes where in Nevada the map covers. 'Great Basin' is denoted by the letter 'G,' and the number that follows is generated by a table the LC developed. If the map is thematic (as in displaying watersheds), the Geographic Area Cutter is replaced with a Subject Area Cutter to better fit the theme (Andrew, 2003). |
Shelves at the WAWMA
Our maps in Provo are shelved by state (or province, where applicable). Each shelf is labeled with the state's classification number. We strive to have a general map of watersheds per state firstly (therefore, the state's classification number with the fourth digit as '1' which means 'thematic map,' and the watershed subject number as .C315). Maps beneath that initial map are maps of regions (rivers) within the state (Johnson, 2013). Of course, we are full well aware that rivers typically run between states. Therefore, there are some duplicate river maps in the different states' drawers. However, when our maps are solely of watersheds and not just of rivers, they tend to be as closely related to the state wherein they are located as possible. We found that most people visiting us in Provo tend to search for the most current maps first. Therefore, we try to keep the latest maps at the top of each shelf, with the earliest maps (or facsimiles) on the bottom. If you are at our facility and you have any questions about locating a given map, we will be available to assist you.
Future Projects
We are in the process of digitizing our map collection (we hope to be finished by May of 2014). In addition to this, we also will create a searchable database by which our users can locate any of our maps. When it is complete, one should be able to simply click on states in our interactive map to locate maps particular to the state in question. In addition to this, it will be possible to search our catalog by using the subject headings as search keywords or as hypertext links. For more information on our digital collection, please see our Subject Access page.
Our maps in Provo are shelved by state (or province, where applicable). Each shelf is labeled with the state's classification number. We strive to have a general map of watersheds per state firstly (therefore, the state's classification number with the fourth digit as '1' which means 'thematic map,' and the watershed subject number as .C315). Maps beneath that initial map are maps of regions (rivers) within the state (Johnson, 2013). Of course, we are full well aware that rivers typically run between states. Therefore, there are some duplicate river maps in the different states' drawers. However, when our maps are solely of watersheds and not just of rivers, they tend to be as closely related to the state wherein they are located as possible. We found that most people visiting us in Provo tend to search for the most current maps first. Therefore, we try to keep the latest maps at the top of each shelf, with the earliest maps (or facsimiles) on the bottom. If you are at our facility and you have any questions about locating a given map, we will be available to assist you.
Future Projects
We are in the process of digitizing our map collection (we hope to be finished by May of 2014). In addition to this, we also will create a searchable database by which our users can locate any of our maps. When it is complete, one should be able to simply click on states in our interactive map to locate maps particular to the state in question. In addition to this, it will be possible to search our catalog by using the subject headings as search keywords or as hypertext links. For more information on our digital collection, please see our Subject Access page.
References
-Andrew, P.G. (2003). Cataloging Sheet Maps: The Basics. Hayworth Information Press, Binghampton, NY, 157-162.
-Sprecht, A. (editor), (2009). Super LCCS: Gale's Library of Congress Classification Schedules. Gale, Cengage Learning, Farmington Hills, MI.
-University of Illinois Map Librarian Jenny Johnson, personal communication, 27 February 2013.
-Photograph borrowed from "Mountains," Great Basin National Park Service, accessed 04/25/2013 from http://www.nps.gov/grba/naturescience/mountains.htm.
-Andrew, P.G. (2003). Cataloging Sheet Maps: The Basics. Hayworth Information Press, Binghampton, NY, 157-162.
-Sprecht, A. (editor), (2009). Super LCCS: Gale's Library of Congress Classification Schedules. Gale, Cengage Learning, Farmington Hills, MI.
-University of Illinois Map Librarian Jenny Johnson, personal communication, 27 February 2013.
-Photograph borrowed from "Mountains," Great Basin National Park Service, accessed 04/25/2013 from http://www.nps.gov/grba/naturescience/mountains.htm.