Use Fondren's online catalog to identify maps and determine their exact location in the library.  Often a keyword search using the word "map" combined with the geographic area and type of information (ex:"south america and map and geological") will be the simplest way to  search for these resources.

Atlases

Atlases are located in 4 different locations in the library.  Reference and oversized atlases are located on the first floor.  Atlases may also be located in the general library stacks and, if published by a government agency, they may be located in the library basement within the Government Publications and Microforms Dept.

Geologic, Hydrologic, Topographic, and Defense Mapping Agency Maps

These maps are located in flat files in the microforms room in Fondren's basement.  In addition to using the online catalog to identify particular maps in this collection, sheet indexes are available for finding topological maps of Texas (7.5 minute/quad) and areas in the United States west of the Mississippi (1 by 2 degree) and some Defense Mapping Agency maps.  A map guide is available for these collections and for general information about maps.

GIS and Electronic Format Maps

The GIS/Data Center offers geographic information systems (GIS) resources to the Rice community.  GIS resources received through the Federal Depository Library Program are located at the Government Publications and Microforms service desk and are available to the public.  The GIS/Data Center also maintains a guide to online map resources.

Street/Road Maps

Area road atlases (Key Maps) and the Rand McNally state map collection are kept on reserve and may be requested at the Circulation and Reserves desk on the first floor.   A collection of folded street maps for cities in the U.S. and other countries is maintained and may be requested at the Government Publications and Microforms service desk in the basement.