Map Collection

General Information

The Map Room is located in the northwest corner of the second floor of Bierce Library (Room 275). The map collection consists of sheet maps, atlases, and globes. The room also contains large work tables and a tracing table.

The map collection is considered to be reference material, and like other reference material, doesn't circulate outside of the library.

Map Room Card Catalog

A card catalog is maintained in the Map Room for most materials in the collection. Cards are arranged by subject and geographical area. Colored cards in the catalog correspond to the colors of the labels on map cases.

Atlases and maps classified according to the Library of Congress classification system can be found by using the online catalog (UA Libraries Catalog (ZipLINK)) as well as the Map Room catalog. Most maps and atlases received and processed after June 1992, will be listed on the online catalog only.

Maps

The Library of Congress Classified Map Collection

Comprised principally of the U.S. and Ohio topographic maps. U.S. topographic maps are arranged by call number (G 3701s .C1 1957 .U61), then by series designation (NH, NI, NJ, etc.). Ohio topographic maps are also arranged by call number (G 4080s 24 .U6), then alphabetically by quadrangle name. In the first drawer of each series is an index map of the area covered. All classified maps are filed in map cases with orange labels.

Unclassified Maps

Out-of-state topographic maps, geologic maps, and thematic (special purpose) maps. They are filed in map cases with green labels. The maps in the drawers are arranged alphabetically; first by continent, then by states of the U. S. Finer subdivisions are made for Ohio maps and large maps series. These maps can be found through the Map Room catalog and the online catalog UA Libraries Catalog (ZipLINK).

United States Geological Survey Maps

Housed in the beige file cabinets. They include geologic, hydrologic, mineral and oil investigations maps. They are arranged alphabetically by series designation (A, GP, GQ, HA, I, MF, MR, OC, OM). Within each series, maps are arranged in numerical order (GQ-1, GQ-2, GQ-3, etc.). These map series are indexed in Publications of the Geological Survey 1879-1961 and supplements. Maps listed in the indexes are marked + if they are in the collection, however recent maps from 6/92- are listed on UA Libraries Catalog (ZipLINK) only. The first cabinet drawer contains all U.S. Geological Survey map indexes.

State Geological Survey Maps

Housed in the beige cabinets (around the corner from the U.S. Geological Survey maps). They are arranged in alphabetical order by state; then in numerical order by map series. Publication lists for individual states are found in the first drawer.

Road Maps

Road maps for the United States and foreign countries are filed in numbered pamphlet boxes on top of the U.S. Geological Survey map cabinets. They are arranged alphabetically by the states of the U.S., followed by the continents.

Historic Urban Maps

Arranged alphabetically by city in the last seven drawers of the map cases.

Atlases

All atlases are classified with Library of Congress call numbers, are all listed on UA Libraries Catalog (ZipLINK) by author, title, call number and subject, and circulate for a five-day loan period with no renewals. They are shelved around the perimeter of the Map Room.

Supporting Material: First Street

First Street is an integrated desktop mapping package (or GIS, geographic information system). The software consists of U.S. Census data, U.S. Boundary Files (TIGER), and the mapping software, ARCVIEW 2.0 and 3.0a. First Street provides powerful visual and analytical tools to help answer questions. Census data can be shown visually as thematic maps, graphs, or charts. The library maintains a stand-alone PC workstation for First Street. Contact x7224 for additional information.

For Assistance

For questions or help with the map collection, ask at the First Floor Reference Desk or call x8230.