Bibliographical Control of Geological Maps

Summary

A geological map is defined and the history of geological maps briefly outlined from the 18th century to the present day. The current status of geological mapping and the problems of acquiring geological maps are reviewed including the lack of adequate bibliographical tools, and the nature and form of map publication. The problem of maps published in serials and monographs is highlighted. It is suggested that the most serious problem of bibliographical control is the lack of adequate bibliographical details on the maps themselves and a call is made for improved bibliographical standards at the publishing stage. The problems of cataloguing and classification are outlined stressing the benefits and requirements of cooperative cataloguing systems such as the Ohio College Library Center; the standardisation of map classification and the importance of the Library of Congress system; the standardisation of descriptive cataloguing and the improvement and standardisation of subject access. The extension of cataloguing coverage to include geological maps in monographs and serials is discussed and means of improving network capabilities are suggested.