Introductions

[Linda Shippert]

Hi and welcome! I am Science & Maps Librarian at the Washington State University Owen Science and Engineering Library. I've been a librarian for several years, but it wasn't until last August that I discovered maps and realized I'd found my niche. I'm a member of ALA MAGERT and an active member of WAML. I'm very interested in library 2.0 developments and how they are/will impact map libraries in particular.

[Paige Andrew]

I'm really happy you ended up loving maps there in Pullman Linda, last I heard there was a move to possibly get rid of the collection (several months ago). So, its good to know someone with energy, desire, and vision is in charge of that collection! Paige

[Phil Lampe]

Hi Linda,

First off, I wanted to let you know that I'm here because I saw your post on the MAPS-L@LISTSERV. I'm glad that I decided to click on that link that you posted, because this type (Ning...that is) of forum/network is EXACTLY what I've been looking for myself!

I had just gotten back from a GIS conference in Houston that is focused on using GIS in the Petroleum industry, and wanted to make some type of user group "Forum" thingie, and as luck would have it, found this site to be perfect for my application.

So, I just wanted to say "THANKS" for opening the door.

As a side note, I have been collecting National Geo maps since I was a kid, and had put almost all of them up on all 4 walls of my previous office. It was a real ice-breaker/conversation starter. People used to come by all the time to hang out and talk about where they've been, where they've lived, etc.

Unfortunately, my new office is much smaller,and I don't have as many maps up as I did, but I am still a map freak, for sure.

BTW, if you care to stop by the new network that I've just finished, here is the URL:

http://pugisforum.ning.com/

Cheers,

Phil

[Craig Haggit]

Unlike many of you on this list, I no longer work in academia, but rather for a map publisher. Formerly MapQuest Publishing, we're now GeoNova Publishing, and still produce fine mapping stuff. I'm not here to sell though, but since I'm not currently in an association anymore this looks like a good place to network. Any thoughts from people on a good association to join? Considering either NACIS or ALA-MAGERT. Not crazy about ALA, but sounds like that's where a lot of the standards action is. NACIS sounds interesting too though. Who knows - maybe both...

Thanks for starting this up Linda!

Craig