Where Are We Now? Development of the Online Guide to U.S. Map Collections

Abstract The progression from print directories to an online database is a natural and clear direction for map collection discovery. Moving this information to a virtual environment that anybody can access and update has many benefits. However, the path to develop this online resource has been fraught with challenges that had to be overcome to bring this vision to reality and to create a sustainable and comprehensive guide that is relevant for many years to come. This article looks at the history of print directories for locating map collections and outlines the development and implementation of the Online Guide to U.S. Map Collections, as well as the ongoing work to expand the Online Guide and its potential to impact future initiatives.