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Tips on Searching for Maps
We estimate that more than half of the maps in our collection are cataloged in Chinook (CU Boulder's online catalog). All of the atlases, reference books, and CDs in the Map Library can be found through Chinook.
Ask for help! Searching for maps and data can be complex. Ask the Map Library staff for help.
Keyword Searching
- Usually the best way to begin a search for maps. You can use Advanced Keyword (in Chinook Classic) or try the new Keyword-Beta search.
- Whichever method you use, you are searching the same library catalog.
- Advanced Keyword: Search for keywords in author, title, subject, or notes fields. Select search limit options before you search
- Keyword-Beta: Basic keyword searching only. Refine your search results using facets and tag clouds. Provides quick links to articles, databases, and more.
Keyword-Beta and Keyword Classic Searches
- Start out with a keyword search for the place name, starting with the most specific geographic region and moving to larger geographic areas if necessary.
- If you are looking for a specific type of map (such as a geologic map), include that information in your keyword search. For example: Boulder geolog*
- No need to use “and” between words.
- Use * as a truncation symbol.
- Can sort results by relevance (the default), date, or title
- Also see our handout on searching for GIS data in Chinook.
- Always remember that when you search for a map in Chinook, you are not seeing our full collection; you are only seeing what has been cataloged so far. Come to the Map Library and we can help you search for what you need.
Keyword Classic
- ** will truncate an unlimited number of characters. (Can also use * as a truncation symbol for up to 5 characters.)
- Limiting Options:
- Limit by Collection: Maps/Atlases/GIS data. Be aware that these limits by material type will exclude any books accompanied by maps.
- Limit to Location: Map Library. This limit is helpful if you know the map you need is in the Map Library. However, it excludes many atlases and electronic maps that are located in places other than the Map Library (such as Reference and Art/Architecture).
Finding Uncataloged Maps
Uncataloged maps are arranged in order by geographic area in drawers that can be browsed. We have a number of indexes and databases in paper and online that we can use to help you find the map you need. Please ask us for help.
