Cataloging for the Map and Imagery Library:
Atlases and Map Reference Materials
Atlases are acquired in various ways, but unless they are already designated to be located in the Map and Imagery Library, they should be placed on the Map Review shelf in the Processing area for a location decision by the Map Librarian prior to cataloging. Other books or other items containing substantial amounts of maps or of cartographic nature as well as books with loose maps should likewise be reviewed by the Map Librarian. Those atlases already designated for the Map and Imagery Library Aleph sublibrary, UFMAP, collection ATL (or collection REF) should be placed in the “to be searched shelf” in the Copy Cataloging area. The materials will then be searched to determine whether they are DLC copy or higher level shared and originals to be placed in the “Atlas Originals” Shelf [behind Jorge’s workstation] of the Science and Social Science Cataloging Unit.
Atlases are defined in the glossary of AACR2r as, "A volume of maps, plates, engravings, tables, etc., with or without descriptive text." This criteria distinguishes atlases from various other books that are acquired for the Map and Imagery Library that are not atlases and are to be handled in the usual ways by appropriate staff and assigned the Aleph sublibrary UFMAP with the collection REF.
Atlases are cataloged according to standards established in AACR2r, Chapter 3 and classified in the LC class schedule G (range from G1000 to G3182). They are correctly cataloged as Map record type “e” records (with the 007, 034, 052 and 255 fields as the most noticeable differences from book records), although a few will appear as book records with non-atlas numbers (a choice from the contributing or less reliable OCLC library). Some may validly be treated as either atlases or tourist guides. Subjects are assigned from LCSH and must contain the subfield |v Maps. The Aleph holdings designations sublibrary UFMAP and collection ATL are used for Map & Imagery Library atlases. Although by earlier rules atlases were cataloged using the books format and some still appear that way in the catalog, they must now be cataloged using map format and rules in AACR2r chapter 3.
Other map (non-atlas) reference materials are cataloged like most other books, following similar book cataloging rules and may take a whole variety of appropriate call numbers outside of the G class, although cartography books take the GA class numbers.
Map materials have been integrated into the normal physical processing like other library material. Some adjustments to the call number are required for proper labeling. Additional text is required in the Description field of the item record for proper display of the call number label. NOTE: for the word “ATLAS” or “MAPLIB” (for collection REF materials) to appear at the bottom of the call number, said words must be added to the Description field of the Item Record.
After full cataloging, which may be done in the Copy Cataloging unit or the Science and Social Science Cataloging Unit areas, call number labeling, UF property stamping, etc., are provided for atlases and other map library books in the CatMet Dept. processing area after being placed on the appropriate “Map material needs processing” shelf.
Indexed: Atlas cataloging, Map materials, cartographic materials, atlases,
Map & Imagery Library
Prepared by: Jimmie Lundgren
Revised by: Jorge Gonzalez, February 22, 2008
