How to find maps and atlases
The map catalogue is a card catalogue containing records of all the sheet maps in the collection, together with most of the atlases. The entries are arranged by geographic area (continents, countries, oceans), each of which is sub-divided by districts, regions, counties, etc. Town plans, islands, rivers and lakes form further sections of each geographic area, together with thematic cross-references.
The general arrangment is by map scale, but records for maps dated before 1851 and all atlases are arranged chronologically. Atlases published after 1988 are now catalogued on OLIS.
Graphic indexes are available for most national map series, including the extensive Ordnance Survey collection. Please ask for these at the enquiry desk.
Remember - if you are not sure what you need - please ask!
How to order maps and atlases
When you have found the map(s) you require, just fill in the shelfmark and brief title, together with your name, on the order slips which you will find on top of the catalogue. Take these to the enquiry desk and you will be advised how long it will take to fetch them. Some map series are now housed outside the library (the shelfmarked is highlighted in red on the catalogue record) so these will take at least 24 hours to fetch - you will be advised of this when you place your order.
Don't forget to have a look at the graphic mapping applications - you may be able to create just the map you are looking for!
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