Cataloging Maps in the MARC Database

After the map or other item has been digitized, it needs to be cataloged. It is reviewed for any information that might be of interest to researchers. Information that is noted includes:

names of persons associated with the map (foremen, superintendents, engineers, land owners),
nearby communities,
roads and railroads,
streams, and
buildings such as homes or businesses that appear on the map.

Since the back of the map is not scanned, it is also checked for additional information. This information is added to the catalog record and can be searched for via the Library catalog's website: (http://catalog.umd.edu).

The catalog record also contains information such as:

coordinates,

scale,

dates,

physical description of the map,

names of mines and mining companies

names of coal beds or coal seams,

Additional geographic information is also recorded for each map. This includes:

US Geological Survey (USGS) quadrangle(s),

coal basins,

nearby towns, and

counties.

Again, this information can all be searched on through the catalog. Finally, a link is included in the catalog record. This link will point to the scanned image of the map described. The original map is labeled and store with the map collection at Frostburg State University.

Figure 1: The USMAI Catalog's Basic Search Screen

Figure 2: Search Results List

Figure 3: Sample Catalog Record

Maryland Coal Mine Mapping Project

Project Constituents

Cataloging Maps in the MARC Database