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Maps at MHC
Introduction:
There are many, varied sources of maps within the Mount Holyoke Library collection. We do not have a "map library" as such. But this webpage should help guide you to some of the available map resources. Some are in atlases, some are in pockets at the back of books, some are cataloged and bound separately, some are at the Reference Desk, and so forth. Beyond our collection, there are many Five College and Internet resources. Please ask Reference librarians (x2212 or libref@mtholyoke.edu) for help if you do not find the maps you are seeking.
Reference Sources (finding aids, etc.)
Atlases
Atlases, because of their large sizes, are typically shelved in special areas. Here are some locations of atlases in our library:
Reference Room Atlas Case: This is our main collection of current atlases. Located outside Room 419 as walking from main Reference Room toward Williston Level 4 stacks.
Reference Room in G call number range: smaller atlases that fit on regular shelving.
LC X-Folio shelving: older atlases no longer needed in the Reference collection. Browse the G call number range. Located on Level 2 1/2.
Cutter X-Folio shelving: even older atlases that pre-date our 1966 switch from Cutter to the LC Classification. Browse the GZ call number range. Located on Level 2 1/2.
Special Collections: some rare atlases. Ask librarians. Some atlases are available via the Internet:
Topographic & Other Specialized Maps
For a good description of topographic maps, see the Stanford map webpage.
Mount Holyoke's collection of USGS topographic maps belongs to the Department of Earth and Environment. (Ask at the Dept Office, 3rd floor, Clapp Lab. The maps are stored in a locked space in another building; retrieval must be done by a faculty member with appropriate key.). This collection is distinctive in that it is a historic collection containing older editions of many of the same maps, making possible a comparison over time. Another way to view historic topos is online: Historic USGS Maps of New England (Univ of NH).
The University of Massachusetts-Amherst and Amherst College each maintain a current collection of US Topographic maps. Hampshire College Library has a CD-ROM version of the Massachusetts topos. You can also view current topos online at http://www.topozone.com/.
Scanned images of USGS topos are available via the Internet:
Environmental maps
Geoscience maps
- The Dept of Earth and Environment has a collection of geologic maps (formerly in file cabinets and maps cases in the library basement, but now stored elsewhere; get key from the Dept office, Clapp 3rd floor). One of the file cabinets has a small set of indexes in the top drawer. These indexes help you locate geologic maps in books, journals, and in the series filed in the cabinets.
- Current Earthquake Maps USGS
- Digital Tectonic Activity Map
Sanborn maps
- Sanborn maps Detailed historic maps of cities and towns by Sanborn Insurance company, 1867-1970. MHC's subscription provides access to the Massachusetts maps.
GIS and Map Images A geographic information system (GIS) is a computer system capable of assembling, storing, manipulating, and displaying geographically referenced information (i.e. spatial data).
Maps on the Internet (major Map websites)
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