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.

Historical Background

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)

Conditions Governing Use

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.

Preferred Citation

Western Association of Map Libraries (WAML) records, M2079. Dept. of Special Collections, Stanford University Libraries, Stanford, Calif.

Conditions Governing Use

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.

Scope and Content

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