Guide to the Western Association of Map Libraries (WAML) Records M2079
Rebecca Leung
With funding from the Western Association of Map Libraries
and Branner Earth Sciences Library, Stanford University.
Department of Special Collections and University Archives
2015
Green Library
557 Escondido Mall
Stanford 94305-6064
specialcollections@stanford.edu
Collection organized in twelve series.
Language of Material:
English
Contributing Institution:
Department of Special Collections and University Archives
Title: Guide to the Western Association of Map Libraries (WAML) Records
Creator:
Western Association of Map Libraries
Identifier/Call Number: M2079
Identifier/Call Number: 19435
Physical Description:
6.50 Linear Feet
15 manuscript boxes and 1 flat box
Date (inclusive): 1959-2015
Abstract: This collection contains meeting records, correspondence, media such as photographs and audio
records, and documents related to the governance of the Western Association of Map Libraries,
also known as WAML. Though WAML was formally organized starting in 1967, this collection
contains items from as far back as 1959 and items as recent as 2015.
In November 1966, a group of map librarians met at UC Berkeley to discuss the possibility of creating an organization specifically
for map librarians in the western United States and provinces of Canada. The Western Association of Map Libraries (WAML) was
officially
founded in 1967. The original intent of this organization was to encourage high standards in every phase of the organization
and administration of map libraries by: providing for the
discussion of mutual problems and interests through meetings and publications; exchanging information on experiences, ideas,
and methods; encouraging higher production standards of
map manufacturers; and establishing and improving standards of professional service in this field.
Membership in WAML is open to any person who appreciates or works with maps and cartographic information in print or digital
formats is invited to join the Western Association of Map Libraries. All members receive access the
Information Bulletin, which is typically published three times per year. As the
Information Bulletin moves to an online format, members receive access to a "members only" section of the publication online.
Currently, WAML holds meetings once a year, though in the past meetings frequently occurred twice per year. The location of
the meetings is varied in the western United States and Canada.In addition to the
Information Bulletin, WAML has published fourteen
Occasional Papers and News & Notes, a bimonthly web-based newsletter that includes time-sensitive items such ascataloging news, information about new mapping
products, employment opportunities, and mapping agency news.
The Western Association of Map Libraries is currently defined on their website as "an independent association of map librarians
and other people with an interest in maps and map librarianship. Membership in WAML is open to any individual interested in
furthering the
purpose of the Association, which is "to encourage high standards in every phase of the organization and administration of
map libraries." (http://www.waml.org)
Property rights reside with the repository. To obtain permission to publish or reproduce, please contact the Public Services
Librarian of the Dept. of Special Collections.
Western Association of Map Libraries (WAML) records, M2079. Dept. of Special Collections, Stanford University Libraries, Stanford,
Calif.
Collection is open for research; materials must be requested at least 36 hours in advance of intended use.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
The WAML records were collected by the following WAML archivists: Sheila Dowd, Jane Rudd, Phil Hoehn, Julie Sweetkind-Singer,
and Jane Ingalls. Transferred from Branner Library; 2015. Accession 2015-066.
This collection is arranged at folder level, chronologically; it includes meeting records, minutes, correspondence, and documents
related to the constitution, committees, and finances of WAML. Images of WAML members and events are represented in digital
and hard copies. This collection does not include the WAML newsletter, known as
Information Bulletin.
The Information Bulletin has been published and is widely available, with the most recent issues accessible on the WAML website.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Western Association of Map Libraries
Map collections
Cataloging of maps
Maps
Map libraries
cartography