Journal of Map & Geography Libraries: Advances in Geospatial Information, Collections & Archives

Citation

Thomson, H. (2006), "Journal of Map & Geography Libraries: Advances in Geospatial Information, Collections & Archives", Library Management, Vol. 27 No. 9, pp. 654-654. https://doi.org/10.1108/01435120610715554

The Journal of Map & Geography Libraries, nicknamed GeoScapes, by its editors, is a new‐refereed journal covering geography and map information collections. It is edited by Paige G. Andrew and Mary L. Larsgaard, both well respected experts in the field. The aim of the journal is “to provide a peer‐reviewed forum for papers concerning geography, map, remote‐sensing image etc. information and it's uses and collections”. Two issues – one general and one themed – are scheduled for each year. A print subscription also includes access the e‐journal. This review is based on the inaugural issue of the journal.

The scope of the journal is worldwide and the editorial board includes representatives from Australia, Italy and the Netherlands, although the vast majority of members are American. Articles in the first issue are all written by North American authors and deal mostly with American examples. Although, one article – “Advances and trends in geospatial information accessibility part 1: geolibraries” by James Boxall, Dalhousie University, Canada – includes case studies from the UK, Canada, European Union, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and the USA. Future issues, as the journal's reputation builds, will hopefully include articles from authors regarding geography and map collections from many other countries.

The articles included in the first issue of the journal are a good balance of theoretical articles and case studies. The articles are timely and deal with many of the issues currently confronting librarians and information managers. Issues discussed include managing access and storage of digital information, copyright, freedom of information and privacy, information literacy and technological challenges. While the focus of the journal is clearly on geospatial information, many of the issues presented are issues that are challenging the wider information community as well. The editors encourage illustrations, including colour, in the articles and the illustrations used are very effective.

The editors are also aiming to make the journal inclusive, with readers invited to submit ideas for papers and the special issues, even to act as Guest Editors for the theme issues. Two theme issues are already planned with more to come in the future. Each issue of the journal includes regular columns such as: “Issues and trends: cartographic cataloging”, “All things digital!”, and “Geocapes: interior and exterior” – the editorial column.

In the Editor's introduction, they have stated that they see this journal filling a gap in geospatial information publications and literature. The hope it will act as a companion rather than a competitor to existing geography and map collections journals. Geoscapes, or Journal of Map & Geography Libraries, is an excellent addition to geospatial information resources as it is well written, easy to read and the articles are well focused on the current issues and challenges that face such institutions.