Mapping the Novel: A Cataloging Project
For our cataloging project, we created a collection policy focusing on novels that contained fictional map illustrations that directly relate to the content of the text. As avid readers of fantasy and science fiction, we have come across many beautifully illustrated maps. They contribute to the epic world-building, and help readers visualize and contextualize the storyline. Currently, the “physical description” entry in a library book catalog can indicate if the novel includes a map, but otherwise, no further information is given. Additionally, there is no standardized field relating to book maps. With this in mind, we wanted to create a cataloging method using MARC21 and RDA that incorporated more information about the map: who illustrated it? How many are in the book? What is the content of the map? We shall provide an overview of some of the issues we came across using pre-existing cataloging methods, specifically RDA, and how we cataloged fictional maps in addition to the book itself.
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If we were to catalog these novels without making a special collection of books with maps, or changes to the catalog records to indicate they contain maps, there would be no way for someone who wanted to research fictional book maps to find them. Even if the researcher knew that book maps existed for a specific story, they may not be able to find an edition with the map. For example, when looking for a copy of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz to use for this cataloging project, we learned that the map of Oz was not added to the book until later books in the series were published. Therefore, when looking for a copy of the book with a map, we needed to go to the library shelf that had all the editions of the book and look through all of them until we found one with the map. With the inclusion of the map in the MARC record, patrons would be able to find books with the maps without having to open every edition of the book that the library has on the shelf. Additionally, with the creation of this collection, patrons would be able to find books with maps they may not know about. Some people may prefer these books for pleasure reading, but others may want to use this collection for research. For example, they may want to examine how maps play a role in world-building in fiction or illustrations in fantasy books.
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As the focus of our collection policy was on fictional novels that include fantasy maps, it was integral that the maps themselves were included in the cataloging record. Simply put, we did not want only to catalog information about the book, but include information about the maps as well. The first issue we ran into whilst cataloging our respective books was choosing the subject: did we want to catalog the map, ignoring the ‘host’ (the book), and abide by RDA and MARC rules when cataloging maps? Or did we want to catalog the book, and make sure to include crucial descriptive information about the maps? We did some research and came across a cataloging method posited by Yale University, describing how they chose to catalog their map collections, some of which were printed in books or folded and kept in a book. They posted clear instructions for each MARC section, and it was clear they were cataloging the maps as the subject. For example, the 245 section (title statement) would be the map title and creator instead of the book title. [1] Any information not supplied directly from the map but from the book had to be indicated as such. After careful consideration, we chose the book as the subject to catalog the whole unit; this way the cataloging record included information about both the book itself, and the map illustrations. We clearly state that our collection policy pertains to novels and the visual geographic material contains has to relate to the content of the text.
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With these maps existing inside of a fictional world, it can be difficult to know what to include in the record while also having gaps that a normal map catalog would not. The Wizard of Oz credits a fictional character with the creation of the map. Clearly, this character did not actually draw the map, but this information would be significant for literature students who may use our collection. Another creator-related issue is that the illustrator of the map is sometimes uncredited. Both Babel and Shadow and Bone did not create the artist that drew the book maps. Many of the maps were titled within the book so they could be easily recorded in our records. Shadow and Bone’s map is not named so the best judgment had to be made by the cataloger. The title was made based on the scope of the map and the name of the fantasy universe where it takes place. That map also has a compass on it but it contains their fictional cardinal directions. All of the maps also don’t contain scales and many do not have dates. These are all typically included in maps but their exclusion does limit the records. The record does not display proper credit to the creator when the illustrator's information is excluded. When cataloging in RDA, we wanted to put both ‘map’ and ‘text’ in the 6.9 field (content type) for content type, but we were only able to put one. ‘Text’ was a better fit as these maps are within fiction books. We also decided to use the 7.10 field (summarization of content) to summarize both the general plot of the book and the contents of our maps. We took this directly from MARC21’s 520 fields (summary etc.) and 500 fields (general notes).
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By highlighting the map as a notable section within a fiction book’s record, we can make it easier for users searching for these maps to identify them and their properties. While doing research for this project, we found it difficult to find which books had maps because it was not included in their record. We found RDA quite limiting when attempting to record the map within our book record, but we decided to use the 7.10 field (summarization of content) to record both the summary of the book and a description of the map. The map description went in field 500 (general notes) in our MARC21 records. By adding these few changes users will not only be able to identify which fiction books have maps in them, but also see a brief description of the content of said map. It can be useful for both readers and researchers. These maps contribute so much to world-building and our new records and cataloging policies will work to showcase them for all users.
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[1] To read more about the Yale University map cataloging method, please refer to the following site: Yale University. “Beinecke Cataloging Manual - Maps in Books,” 2016. http://beinecke1.library.yale.edu/info/bookcataloging/maps_in_books.htm; “MARC 21 Format for Bibliographic Data: 245: Title Statement (Network Development and MARC Standards Office, Library of Congress).” Accessed November 20, 2022. https://www.loc.gov/marc/bibliographic/bd245.html.