Cataloging Sheet Maps: The Basics
By Paige G. Andrew
A Review
Paige Andrew is a nationally well-known and published faculty map cataloger currently at Pennsylvania
State University Libraries at University Park. He is noted for commonsense cataloging, a keen
understanding of rules and resources, and his expertise in map cataloging training. Andrew’s first solo
book-publishing effort, Cataloging Sheet Maps: The Basics, was eagerly awaited in the map
cataloging world, and it lives up to the high expectations.
The primary goal of the book as stated in the preface is "…to provide the reader with step-by-step
guidelines in applying cataloging rules and rule interpretations, while creating full-level and accurate
bibliographic descriptions for sheet maps." Andrew states clearly what the book is and is not
intended to cover. For instance, serially issued maps, atlases, globes, and digital cartographic
materials are not covered. In the "Background" section, Andrew describes the intended
audience as catalogers with little or no experience in creating bibliographic records for sheet maps as
well as map librarians who only occasionally catalog.
Cataloging Sheet Maps: The
Basics has a high-level of organization making it a good ready-reference source. Chapters are
arranged logically in five sections: Section 1, "In the Beginning", Section 2, "Coded
Fields", Section3, "Description of the Map", Section 4, "Other Access Points"
and Section 5, "Historical Sheet Maps and Special Cases". Chapters are compartmentalized into
topics such as "Necessary Tools of the Trade", "Main Entry and Statement of
Responsibility", "Mathematical Data Area", "Classification Using the LC
G-Schedule", etc. The index is very thorough in cataloging terminology, less so, though adequate,
in map terminology. While a few words such as "relief" failed to make it in the index, the
content and layout is superb compared to similar cataloging manuals.
The content of the book includes pertinent illustrations and many cataloging examples. Concepts such as
"emanating from" and how to create a title from scattered title elements are explained in
full. There are many useful bonuses not readily found in other map cataloging manuals, such as a good
explanation of the insets versus ancillaries, the difference between small and large scale, and
descriptions of common practices in the map cataloging community not defined in the rules (e.g. when to
include a "title from" note). Areas particularly challenging to catalogers, such as the scale
and coordinates, include many illustrations. Andrew’s explanations are easily understandable to the
casual map user.
There are a few typographical errors, but nothing that cannot be verified
elsewhere. Andrew does not describe the general material designation (GMD), causing confusion because
some of the catalog record examples include a GMD in the 245 field while others do not. Again, the
cataloger can refer to the rules and rule interpretations to make his/her own decision. Since
cartographic resources are a graphical format, it would have been helpful to have more illustrations of
actual sheet maps, however, space limitations prevented inclusion of extra content.
Andrew pays homage heavily to the out-of-print Cartographic Materials: A Manual of Interpretation
for AACR2 (Prepared by the Anglo-American Cataloguing Committee for Cartographic Materials.
Chicago: American Libraries Association, 1982). Many of his illustrations and descriptive cataloging
examples are derived from this book. The second edition was released a few months ago. Since
cataloging manuals are quickly out-of-date, it is hoped Andrew plans to release a second edition of
Cataloging Sheet Maps: The Basics within a few years. Perhaps a future edition will include an
accompanying CD-ROM or there will be a Website with additional illustrations. Meanwhile, the current
edition serves as a very good ready reference and training book for the novice and occasional map
cataloger.
Published in 2003 by: Haworth Information Press, Binghamton, New York. (xv, 240 p.)
ISBN 0-7890-1482-3 ($39.95); ISBN: 0-7890-1483-1 (pbk-$24.95).
Reviewed by:
Kay G. Johnson
Serials Coordinator and Geology Librarian
University of Tennessee Libraries, Knoxville
Last updated: January 12, 2004
http://www.olacinc.org/reviews/andrew.html
neumeist@buffalo.edu