Message-Id: <199805112108.OAA22170@dns.ccit.arizona.edu> Date: Mon, 11 May 1998 22:07:31 +0000 From: Robin Alston <mailto:uczcroa@UCL.AC.UK> Subject: Library History Database To: mailto:IMAGELIB@LISTSERV.ARIZONA.EDU
Three weeks ago I put my Library History Database on the Web. So far it is text only. But later this year I propose to include historical maps on the website so that those interested in libraries before 1850 can see the geographical background against which library development must be assessed - roads, canals, rivers, canals, railways, &c. But - historical maps present quite severe problems for presentation on the Web. I could go to Kontron standards, but that would entail huge file sizes and very slow loading for most users; and anyway I could not afford large jpeg images! GIF files are easy to create, but geographical features become very indistinct. Has anyone experience that might be helpful in producing legible maps engraved before 1850? Maps of the Scottish Highlands are not too difficult; but maps of Lancashire and Yorkshire (with as many libraries as Middlesex) is a real problem. Library History Database: www.sas.ac.uk/ces/default/Libraries/contents.htm [D Robin Alston__________________________________ Robin Alston University College London Voice: 0171-380 7204: (Department) 01449-766324: (Home) Fax: 0171-383 0557: (Department) 01449-765913: (Home) Email: mailto:r.alston@ucl.ac.uk