Using the Collections

Paper Maps Collection
The Penn State Map Library has roughly 400,000 maps, only a small fraction of these are actually on The CAT.  Most maps obtained before 1980 will not show up on The CAT, so if you don't find what you're looking for, don't despair, just ask for help.  More than likely, we will have what you are looking for.  Also, many map series, usually topographic maps or nautical charts, will only have a single entry on The CAT eventhough the series may contain hundreds of maps.

Organization
The Map Library's organizes the collection in the following manner.

Region  (World -> Continent -> Region -> Country -> State -> County -> City)
This is indicated by the first section of the call number, Gxxxx.  All sheet maps have numbers greater than G3000.  A "s" at the end of the G number indicates that the entry is a series of maps.

Subject  (can indicate road map, geology, topography, or any number of subject)
This is the second part of the number, for example, .A4, .S22, etc.

Date  Indicates year of production, or in cases of reproductions, the year the original version of the map was published.

Country of Origin/Publisher  The final number usually represents the nation the map was published in.  For example, .U5 is the US Central Intelligence Agency.

First, figure out what kind of map you need.

• Where - What general region do you want the map to display, i.e. Europe, Africa?
• Detail - Do you want a map of a city, state, country, continent, or the world.
• What - What kind of information do you want the map to show, i.e. military encampments, or landcover?
• When - Is there a time frame for the data, i.e. World War 1?

Second, do a keyword search.

• Use  The CAT and specify "lib mp" to narrow your search to the Maps Library.
• Using the "k" (keyword) command to search, identify the maps or atlases you desire.
• Write down the the entire call number for the maps.

 

Third, go to the Maps Library.

• The Maps Library is located on the B-Level of Paterno library. You can use the elevators to get there.
• Ask someone at the service desk to help you locate the cabinet where the map is stored. Show them the maps call number.

Lastly, check out or make copies of the map.
 

CD-ROM Collection
You need to find a digital dataset to produce a map or for research.

First, figure out what kind of data you need.

• Where - What general region do you want the map to display, i.e. Pennsylvania, Europe?
• Detail - Do you want a map of a city, state, country, continent, or the world.
• What - What kind of information do you want the map to show, i.e. environmental data, satellite imagery, landcover?
• When - Is there a time frame for the data, i.e. the 1990s?

Second, search the online listing of the Maps Library CD-ROM collection.

Third, go to the Maps Library service desk and tell them you need the CD with the call number you have found.

Finally, either check out the CD, or obtain the data using one of the computers in the Maps Library