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Map Digitization Expands Discoverability
Archives' hidden treasures become open access gem
September 12, 2014
The OSU Library began its formal map collection in the 1940s when noted historian Angie Debo became the first maps curator. Since then OSU librarians have carefully selected and archived more than 300,000 maps, especially early documentation the area that is now Oklahoma.
Sheila Grant Johnson, OSU Dean of Libraries, began her career as a maps librarian. As Dean she has raised funds to expand access to the Library's map collection.
"Maps are fundamental to our ability to record and communicate information about our world and where we are in relation to others," Johnson said. "Maps are ancient in origin and continue to be essential tools in helping us understand our world."
Many of the Library's maps are rare and in very fragile condition. Thanks to decades of work from OSU archivists these maps are still usable today, but for many years accessing them could be difficult. Researchers had to know what they were looking for, and many traveled considerable distance to reference the maps in person.
In 2007, the Library launched the first phase of its map digitization effort. The McCasland Digital Collection of Early Oklahoma and Indian Territory Maps features more than 1,000 maps and was made possible through funding from the McCasland Foundation of Duncan, Oklahoma.
"The decision to digitize our map collection tied directly to our land grant mission," Johnson explains. "The project extends open and free access to this rich source of Oklahoma history to all Oklahoma citizens and to scholars worldwide."
Digitization work continues, and now the Oklahoma Digital Maps Collection includes the McCasland Collection, the US Geological Survey Collection, WPA Collection and the Russal Brawely Collection. The online collection contains more than 7,900 images from the period 1803-1925. All are freely available to the public from the Library's website, www.library.okstate.edu.
If you have questions about the Oklahoma Digital Maps Collection or other electronic library resources, contact the Digital Library Services office at 405-744-9161 or email at lib-dls@okstate.edu.
URL: https://library.okstate.edu/news/archived-news/fall-2014/map-digitization-expands-discoverability
Last Updated: 7 September 2018