Abstract
Providing users with the best possible access to the unique cartographic materials found in libraries has been a constant challenge for map librarians. In a Web 2.0 world, existing mapping APIs make it possible to extend the library OPAC past the text-based search and enable users to locate maps using a familiar interface, such as Google Maps. This article describes how librarians at the University of Minnesota developed MapHappy, a "mashup" of their existing map MARC records into a geospatial Web application providing unique access to the print maps in their collections. As expected, this project raised many questions and produced a new set of challenges and opportunities; two such problems, the issue of missing or faulty map coordinates and aligning the interface design with user expectations, are discussed. And while still in beta, a variety of future plans are considered for further development and improvement of MapHappy. This project demonstrates that the representation of library records in a geospatial format provides a more intuitive and streamlined method of identifying maps and makes accessible a wide range of data previously meaningless or invisible to users.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 114-130 |
Number of pages | 17 |
Journal | Journal of Map and Geography Libraries |
Volume | 5 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2009 |
Bibliographical note
Copyright:Copyright 2009 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.
Keywords
- Access
- Libraries
- Map libraries
- Maps
- Mashup
- User-centered Web development