Maps and Imagery: Collection Development Policy
Purpose
The collections of maps, charts, atlases, gazetteers, aerial photographs, and remote sensing images are interdisciplinary in nature, and support the research and instruction needs of all CSU students, faculty and staff. Major users include departments within the Colleges of Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences. A secondary responsibility is to support the cartographic information requirements of the state, the region, and the needs of worldwide researchers for cartographic information on Colorado. There is a noticeable community use of the topographic map collection, particularly local 7.5 minute quadrangle maps.
Scope of Coverage
Language: All languages, although the emphasis is on English and Western European languages. Imagery is collected in all formats (digital or hard-copy) with the emphasis on visible wavelengths.Geographic: An objective of the collection is to achieve cartographic coverage of all geographic regions throughout the world, whether by region, nation, parts of nations, or groups of nations with an emphasis on Colorado and surrounding states.
Chronological: In general, emphasis is on the most recent mapping for any area. Some historical maps, bound collections of antiquarian maps, and historical atlases are maintained or purchased as the budget permits.
Types of Materials
The map collection consists of cartographic materials, which are defined as including spatial data presented graphically in the form of maps, atlases, globes, charts (aeronautical and hydrographic), aerial photography, remote sensing images, and printed digital cartographic data. Digital forms of geographic data, which is also known as spatial data or spatially referenced data, containing references to a specific location on earth and the software by which such data are retrieved, analyzed and reproduced, is also collected.The core of the collection consists of current and historical maps received as part of the Federal Depository Library Program, the Colorado State Depository Program, and as gifts from various federal and state agencies. Included are all scales of U.S. Geological Survey topographic maps and all folded map series.
CSUL also receives a large number of geographic data files as part of the Federal Depository Library Program and from city and county agencies. Other digital data is acquired for free or for a minimal fee directly from issuing government agencies.Other Resources
For a more detailed description of the map collection and links to electronic map resources on the Internet, please go to http://lib.colostate.edu/research/maps/.
Contact Information
Subject specialist:
Doug Ernest
491-1861
Email: Doug Ernest
Revised 2/2/2005
