Because of the historical and research value of the older print materials, preservation is more of a concern in the geosciences than for some other areas of science. Older bound materials with regional or historical value should be retained and preserved where possible. Unique titles, especially those related to the Michigan Basin Collection, may require a higher level of preservation effort. Duplicate copies of the Michigan Basin titles should be retained to allow a circulating copy. Fortunately, the USGS and Canadian depository maps are a functional collection; they arrive folded within their own envelopes and are permitted to circulate. Archive copies are not required (unless the maps covers the Michigan Basin region in which case up to three copies will be retained). Extensive preservation of these maps is not indicated at this time because copies can be obtained through USGS though some maps are out-of-print. Also the entire 1:62,500 series of topographic sheets is no longer being produced. Copies of this series should be retained, with up to two duplicate copies retained for Michigan.
Special Note: The hand-colored glacial surface feature maps prepared by Stannard Berquist in the 1930’s and 1940’s represent a unique historical and geological treasure. The information contained within them cannot be replaced, and many of the features identified are no longer in existence. Because these maps were made using Frank Leverett’s field notes, they represent a totally unique source of geologic information that is not found anywhere else in the world, including USGS Reston. It will be a preservation priority to find resources to preserve the maps, the field notes and the paintings commissioned for the WPA.