Ranking and Evaluating the ARL Library Map Collections

This study measures and analyzes the map collections of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) using data from 1984 and 1988. The nature of the cartographic format means that the size of a map collection can, within limits, be viewed as a measure of information content. Problems with the collected map data are noted. Size of collections and growth rates are computed and elements of change noted. A composite index, based on size and growth figures, is developed and used to rank the ARL map collections. Cartographic collection ranks are compared to ARL library index ranks and found to have a weak correlation. Directions for future research are suggested