Making Paper Maps Relevant in a Digital Age

The decision for libraries to make print collections available in a digital format has already been made. The question is how to go digital in a way that is practical (e.g., considering funding, staff time) and useful for patrons (both local and remote). Though creating digital versions of paper maps has been standard practice for a decade or more (Allen, 1999), there have been many useful technological advances in recent years such as increased Internet connection speeds and better file compression technology (Peterson, 2001). Given the decrease in technological costs and the increase in technological efficiencies, making paper maps available in a digital format is more feasible than ever before. Due to the nature of cartographic materials, the next step is more challenging--oversized maps are difficult to present in their entirety given the limitation of screen size. The John R. Borchert Map Library at the University of Minnesota is challenged on how to provide access to these digitized items in a way that is useful for their patrons.