IFLA General Conference, 1986. Special Libraries Division. Section: Geography and Map Library. Papers.

Four papers on geography and map libraries were presented at the 1986 International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) conference. "Generation and Utilization of Maps and Atlases in Japan," by Takashi Morita of Japan, presents an overview of the making and uses of maps and atlases in Japan and concludes that a comprehensive national map cataloging system is needed as well as a nationwide map library or museum. Related statistics are presented in graphic format. In "Report on the Library of Congress and Other Federal Agencies' Optical Disc Development for Cartography," Ralph E. Ehrenberg (United States) presents a status report on the Library of Congress Optical Disc Pilot Program and the development of optical disk technology projects for cartographic materials at several official mapping organizations. "Map Libraries and Optical Disks" (Lorraine Dubreul, Canada) describes optical disk technology as well as applications at the National Library of Canada and the U.S. Library of Congress. Finally, "Digital Maps and Map Libraries" (Sarah Tyacke, United Kingdom) considers the issues involved in establishing a series of national geographic/cartographic databases, including monitoring database production, new forms of storage and information retrieval systems for archiving, legal deposit and copyright laws, the organization of an archive at the national level, and the necessity for setting up a consultative body. (KM)