Conducting a Historical Map Collection Condition Assessment Survey at the Rochester Public Library

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.23974/ijol.2025.vol10.4.565

Abstract

Historical maps retain tremendous research value in the digital era. While many libraries have digitized their maps to expand research access, challenges remain for preserving physical maps. This project report describes a collection condition assessment survey at a public library using free online tools and volunteer hours to identify preservation issues and develop strategies to improve collection care. Collection condition surveys can serve as a road map for further preservation, conservation, and digitization projects.

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Author Biography

  • Ronald Martin-Dent, Fort Hays State University

    Ron Martin-Dent is the Archives and Special Collections Librarian at Fort Hays State University. In 2024, he served as an intern at the Rochester Public Library’s Local History and Genealogy Division while completing his M.L.I.S. degree at the University of Washington.

References

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Knutzen, M. (2013). Unbinding the atlas: Moving the NYPL map collection beyond digitization. Journal of Map & Geography Libraries, 9(1–2), 8–24. https://doi.org/10.1080/15420353.2012.726204

Kowal, K. C., & Martyn, C. (2009). Descriptive metadata for digitization of maps in books: A British Library project. Library Resources & Technical Services, 53(2), 108–120. https://doi.org/10.5860/lrts.53n2.108

Library of Congress. (2014). Accelerated aging of paper: Can it really foretell the permanence of paper. Preservation. https://www.loc.gov/preservation/resources/rt/age/age_5.html.

Ogden, S. (1994). The needs assessment survey. In Preservation of library and archival materials: A manual. Northeast Document Conservation Center. http://www.nedcc.org/free-resources/preservation-leaflets/1.-planning-and-prioritizing/1.3-the-needs-assessment-survey

Philipson, K. (2022). Rochester Public Library archival needs assessment. Documentary Heritage and Preservation Services for New York (DHPSNY).

Sun, K., Hu, Y., Song, J., & Zhu, Y. (2021). Aligning geographic entities from historical maps for building knowledge graphs. International Journal of Geographical Information Science, 35(10), 2078–2107. https://doi.org/10.1080/13658816.2020.1845702

Teper, J. H. (2016). Preservation Self-Assessment Program: User Manual. Preservation Self-Assessment Program (PSAP), University of Illinois Library. https://psap.library.illinois.edu/manual.

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Published

2025-12-16

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Section

Reports From the Field

How to Cite

Conducting a Historical Map Collection Condition Assessment Survey at the Rochester Public Library. (2025). International Journal of Librarianship, 10(4), 117-129. https://doi.org/10.23974/ijol.2025.vol10.4.565