Map and Geography Library University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign about the library | collections | digital journals | web links | class resources | home

Collections

aerial photography | cd-roms | census maps
digital programs and data | historical maps of illinois and the northwest territory
plat and sidwell maps | reference collection | sanborn fire insurance maps | topographic maps

Map Collection

Maps in the collection are organized by Library of Congress G-Classification System. Most maps are cataloged individually. Topographic maps as well as nautical and aeronautical charts for both the United States and elsewhere are cataloged as sets.

Patrons may not retrieve maps from map cases on their own. Library employees will pull specifically requested maps and will assist in browsing through map drawers. Some of the maps will not be available for use either after 5:00pm on weekdays or any time on weekends.

Maps published before 1960, mounted on cloth, or encapsulated in polyester film may not be borrowed. Some maps may have borrowing restrictions placed on them for reasons of physical condition, irreplacability, or heavy demand. Maps which may be borrowed will be loaned for one week.

Maps are usually loaned rolled in map tubes. Maps should not be folded. Tape and post-it-notes should not be used to either hang maps or to mark locations. Pins also should not be used to hang maps. Ask the Map and Geography Library staff for "map friendly" ideas for hanging and displaying maps.

Book Collection

Books and journals are organized using the Dewey Decimal System. The collection includes works on cartography, cartographic techniques, history of cartography, place names, remote sensing, aerial photography, geographic information science, global positioning systems, and visualization. The library also has extensive collections of gazetteers and atlases. Many of the books in the collection, often the atlases, are larger than "normal" books. Their call numbers will begin with either a Q. (quarto) or a F. (folio). Quartos and folios, like the all of the other books and journals, are shelved in call number order.

Gazetteers and journals are shelved separately from the other books. Gazetteers are in alphabetical order by country and state names; they may not be borrowed. Bound journals may be borrowed for one week.

	University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Library Gateway Homepage Comments to: Map and Geography Library Updated: 12.06.2006 JMJ