Research Guides: Map Resources: Home

About the Map Collection

About the Karen F. Jacob Map Collection

Morgan Library has approximately 80,000 maps and atlases of all types including physical, political, and thematic maps (vegetation, geologic, population, oceanographic). Maps and atlases are located in the Basement, North. Maps can be checked out for two weeks. Reference Atlases are located on the First Floor, South. Reference Atlases do not circulate.

Locating a Map

Maps are classified using either Library of Congress (LC) call numbers or Superintendent of Documents (SuDoc) numbers.

LC classed maps have records in the library catalog. Most atlases are also classed in LC.

SuDoc classed maps come from federal government agencies. These call numbers correspond to a particular agency rather than to geography. Many do not have records in the library catalog, but finding tools for these are located in the map collection (see under "Terminology & Finding Aids tab). Within the SuDoc system are topographic maps from several agencies including the United States Geological Survey.

Understanding Maps

Geography and Maps (Library of Congress)
Useful overview with emphasis upon Library of Congress collections.
Topographic Maps (USGS maps and Images)
A very brief explanation.
Topographic Map Scales (Utah Geological Survey)
A detailed explanation of scales and the General Land Office Grid.
Map Projections
Graphic images of numerous map projections.

Topographic Map Symbols (USGS)
A detailed explanation including the symbols themselves.

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