Abstract:
A long standing problem has been the question of what maps to select for acquisition in a college map library. This thesis addresses
the problem and provides a carto-bibliography of basic maps for a map library. Following a brief review of pertinent literature, criteria for evaluation and selection of maps are identified and analyzed. Using a questionnaire persons responsible for selections of maps for all United States college map libraries were surveyed to determine the degree to which the criteria were considered to be important in the selection process for map acquisition. Of 249 mailed 133 questionnaires were returned. The results show that presumed reliability of the map source was considered most important, followed by scale and date. The criteria of size and map projection were noted as seldom considered. The survey shows that the typical American college map library contains 50,000 to 100,000 maps with no special emphasis other than United States maps, and is in charge of a map librarian on a part time basis. As an application of the selection criteria a carto-bibliography was compiled suggested as a core for building a college map library. The carto- bibliography included as a major part of the thesis was compiled by examination of thousands of maps in three major map libraries, The Library of Congress, University of Wisconsin - Madison and University of Florida. The carto-bibliography does not presume to include all maps but rather to suggest a sound base for building.
A special section is on Florida as an example of types of maps generally available for each state and local area.
