Electronic Maps and Atlases in the Russian State Library and the Russian National Library

Within a brief span of time, maps on CD-ROM and on the Internet have become the most effective means of paperless information transfer. Map departments of the national libraries have found themselves up against the reality of needing to give readers access to electronic maps, which is possible only if they have a representative selection of electronic materials available in stock. It is a matter for regret that the Russian market is new being deluged with both licensed and unlicensed maps and atlases on CD-ROM. There are pirate copies of Russian and foreign publications alike. There are thus grave and almost insuperable difficulties to face when stocking electronic map libraries.