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Enquiries

For those who are unable to visit the Library, the Map Department staff are happy to deal with enquiries by telephone, letter or email. We regret, however, that it is not possible to undertake extensive research on behalf of enquirers. Details of our reproduction services can be found on the Digital Content Unit pages. 

Map Department, Cambridge University Library, West Road, Cambridge CB3 9DR

Tel:+44 (0) 1223-333041  ;  Email: maps@lib.cam.ac.uk

Using the Map Department Collections

All visitors to Cambridge University Library and the Map Department must first obtain a Library Readers' Card. All enquiries regarding admission should be directed to the Admissions Office: Email registration@lib.cam.ac.uk ; Tel.: +44 (0) 1223-333030.

Members of the Charles Close Society wishing to consult the Charles Close Society Archives will not be charged for a ticket on production of their current CCS membership card providing that they have first contacted Anne Taylor, Head of Cambridge University Library Map Department.

Recommend a Book, Atlas or Map for Acquisition

To recommend a book, atlas or map email us on maps@lib.cam.ac.uk providing as much detail as possible. See also the Library's recommendation page.

Group Visits

The Map Department welcomes enquiries from school, college and university teachers wishing to use our collections with their student groups. Or perhaps you belong, for example, to a local history society whose members would enjoy seeing maps of a particular area? We have a collection of over 1.3 million maps (plus several thousand atlases) covering all parts of the world from the later 15th century to the present time, so there is something for everyone! Get in touch. If you are interested, please email maps@lib.cam.ac.uk giving at least 3 weeks notice before your preferred date.

Valuations

Unfortunately the Department is not able to provide valuations: for this you should contact an antiquarian bookseller or auction house. MapRecord Publications has a list of dealers in antiquarian maps on its website. Also look at London Map Fairs; The Marketplace and Map Collecting sections of the Map History / History of Cartography site. For a guide to prices the OldMaps.com website is a useful place to look and you can also try American Book Prices Current (a subscription service so you may not be able to access it off campus). See also Map Department Information Sheet 1G - Dealers in old maps and atlases (a MS Word document) or ask a member of Map Department staff for a copy. Or have a look at websites such as Biblio.com and Abebooks. Cheffins Auction House, in Cambridge, also has a specialist department dealing in maps, books and prints.

Conservation and Repair

The Library has a Conservation Department who may be able to advise on the repair and conservation of items (01223 747410). The Conservation Register is a service provided by the Institute of Conservation with register of accredited conservator-restorers in the UK and Ireland, and guides on the conservation of various materials. Suppliers of conservation materials can be found listed on the Map Curators' Toolbox The Photographic Collections Network also has advice on digitising and caring for photographs.

Staff

  • Anne Taylor (Head of Map Department)
  • Vacancy (Map Collections Supervisor / Deputy Head of Map Department)
  • Karen Amies (part-time)
  • Vacancy (part-time)
  • Michael Taylor
  • Ian Pittock
  • Anna Reynolds (part-time)

 

 

Opening Times

Map Room Opening Times

Monday to Thursday 9am to 12:45pm and 2pm to 5:10pm
Friday 9am to 12:45pm and 2pm to 4:50pm 

i.e., we are closed lunch time, in the evenings and on Saturdays. However, given sufficient notice, we may be able to transfer Map Department items to the Rare Books Reading Room for consultation during these closed periods. 

Remember: Pencils only in the Map Room and No food or drink!

Where to Find Us

Library Floorplan

The Map Room - the Map Department's Reading Room - is on the first floor of the Library at the far end of the North Gallery. At the top of the stairs from the Library's Entrance Hall, turn right and the Map Room is at the end of the corridor. 

We are very close to the Tea Room.

Contact us

Map Department 
Cambridge University Library 
West Road 
Cambridge 
CB3 9DR 

Email: maps@lib.cam.ac.uk

Telephone:
+44 (0) 1223 333041
+44 (0) 1223 333042
 
Our LibGuide may help with some enquiries