pushpamala, PERERA The (unknown) role of map librarian and the challenge of satisfying the cartographic user needs., 2008 . In National Conference On Library & Information Studies (NACLIS 2008), Sri Lanka Foundation Institute, Colombo, 24th June 2008. [Conference paper]
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English abstract
The (unknown) role of map librarian and the challenge of satisfying the cartographic user needs The profession of librarianship is developed and is being recognized in Sri Lanka. But we have neither heard of a map library nor a map librarian in our local environment. In Europe and USA map libraries are well known and map librarians are recognized Librarians who deal with maps come under the special library group and have to manage the map collection in a special manner. It needs specialized knowledge in managing map collection. Reading of maps needs technical equipments and storage and preservation too is different from books. Hence the librarian who deals with maps should undergo training to familiarize himself/herself with the technical methods of storage, search co ordination and manage archives and enhance access of cartographic materials. After world War 11 traditional map depositories are converted into cartographic centres and new technology is heavily used in map production, storage and usage. This paper highlights the role to be played by map librarians in a modern library using new technologies. Map users are very much advanced in using different type of technologies in reading, creating, copying etc.maps. This technological advancement has not caused much change in map collection in the developing countries. Even in the 21st century we see the traditional collection of maps in Sri Lanka. . While studying the situation (advance collection and advance users) in other countries, a sample study was carried out with reference to the local environment by selecting academic and special library groups. This paper elucidates the role played by a librarian who handle maps, who is not recognized as a map librarian It also discuses the attitudes of the cartographic users towards map libraries in our country the institutions where map collections are available, the barriers experienced by the users in accessing the collections, important issues neglected by the higher authorities and lack of a national body to authorize map production in the country. The role that could be played by the national body or a regulatory body such as management of collection and databases, setting of standards, copyright law and implementing a national policy in map production and the problems faced in producing maps are discussed. The study reveals that the gap between the traditional map libraries (collection) and the users of cartographic material is widening. The author suggests that the librarians could overcome this problem by undergoing professional training. This will change the attitude of the users towards the map librarians and map libraries. This will give recognition to the professionals who work as map librarians.
| Item type: | Conference paper |
|---|---|
| Keywords: | Map Libraries, user needs, cartographic needs, Maps of Sri Lanka, user attitueds of map libraries, map publishers |
| Subjects: | B. Information use and sociology of information > BH. Information needs and information requirements analysis. |
| Depositing user: | Pushpamala Perera |
| Date deposited: | 28 Jul 2008 |
| Last modified: | 02 Oct 2014 12:12 |
| URI: | http://hdl.handle.net/10760/12137 |
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