Government Documents, Maps and Microforms Department

Bibliographic access: Many sheet maps, generally from the post-1976 period, are listed in UICCAT, the library’s online catalog. See Atlases for suggestions on searching maps in UICCAT. Additional sheet maps and map series are listed in the Sheet Map Catalog, 3rd floor center, Daley Library.

The Sheet Map Catalog is divided into the following sections:

• Geographic area (blue labels)
• Subject (yellow labels)
• Author-title (for pre-1900 maps only)

For maps of a geographic region (Europe) or a political division (Poland), consult the geographic area section of the catalog. The cards are arranged alphabetically by the name of the state, country, region, etc., that the map portrays. The general and topographic maps of geographic/political area are listed first, in chronological order.

Subject maps of that geographic/political area are listed second, alphabetically by subject and chronologically within subject.

Geographic subdivisions within that geographic/political area are listed last, alphabetically by subdivision and chronologically within subdivision.

For example:	Illinois, Chicago -- 1950
	Illinois, Chicago suburbs & environs -- 1979
	Illinois, Cook Co. -- 1975
	Illinois, Northeast -- Census districts -- 1982

If the geographic/political area you seek is not listed in the Sheet Map Catalog, remember that it may appear on a map or map series of the larger area of which it is a part. For example: Oahu Island may be found on maps of its state, Hawaii

For maps on a specific subject, not limited to a specific geographic area, consult the subject section of the catalog. The cards are arranged alphabetically by subject (and alphabetically by subject subdivision if any), then alphabetically by geographic/political area, and finally, chronologically within the area.

Consult the Subject Headings List on the map case beside the Sheet Map Catalog to find the appropriate search term.

Note: The Sheet Map Catalog does not include records for all of the individual sheets in the topographic and thematic map series published by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) or most other government map series. For information on specific USGS, AMS, DMA, NIMA, and NOS sheet holdings, consult the graphic indexes and the book indexes to these map series. These indexes are available at the Documents and Map Desk. Many of the USGS, DMA, NIMA, and NOS maps published after 1976 may be listed in UICCAT, the library's online catalog.

After identifying the maps of interest, note the complete call number and the location of the map.

Physical access: Individual sheet maps and map series are generally housed in the horizontal map cases or in the vertical file cabinets; these units are locked. Upon request, the Documents and Maps staff will unlock the appropriate section and provide assistance in locating maps. Sheet maps in storage may be requested at the Documents and Maps Desk, 3rd floor center, and will be available for use the following day (weekdays only).

Circulation policy: Most maps circulate for one week and may be charged out at the Documents and Map Desk, 3rd floor center. Maps in high demand for class assignments are restricted to "in Library" use. Maps housed in the Special Collections Department are restricted to "in Department" use. Renewals, for circulating maps, may be made either in person, by telephone (312/996-2738), or through E-mail (lib-maps@uic.edu).