The following text briefly explains the types of information found in each entry, the arrangement of entries in the guide, and the procedure to follow in order to obtain reporductions of maps from the Library of Congress.

Types of Information Found in Each Entry

Each entry contains the following information, when available, and in the order given:

• Title - either the exact title taken from the map or a bracketed one created by the authors
• Geographic locator - a bracketed state, country, or region of the world to assist researcher in identifying map's geographical location when unapparent in title
• Cartographer - supplied when name appears on map, bracketed when map is attributed to a cartographer
• Location where map was prepared - supplied when known
• Date - given when it appears on map, bracketed when date of map is known but does not appear on map or when map is assigned an approximate date
• Medium and Dimensions - dimensions are given in centimeters with vertical measurement listed first
• Scale - when supplied, otherwise note reads "Scale not given"
• Special collection and number - indicates location of an item in a special collection in one of the Library of Congress divisions
• Description - a brief narrative for each entry provides relevant information about each map and its purpose if known
• Call number - the number needed to retrieve each item. Since the majority of items listed in this publication are housed in the Geography and Map Division, we have omitted the designation "G&M " from call numbers for items in that Division
• Geographic area term(s) - Most maps have several geographic area terms assigned to them. These terms inform the researcher as to those area(s) covered in the map. An index at the end of this publication groups other related maps that provide coverage of the same geographic area(s).

Arrangement of Entries in the Publication

The researcher should note from glancing at the Table of Contents that atlases are listed separately. The individual maps in each atlas are listed either by their given titles or those supplied by the authors. Geographic area terms have been supplied for each atlas entry but not for each map therein.

Maps are arranged in descending order from the most general geographic area, i.e., the world, to the most specific, country. The first maps listed are those of the world, followed by those of regions and continents. The largest portion of the maps are then arranged by country, and within country by individual states and/or cities.

How to obtain reproductions of maps in the Library of Congress

Those researchers interested in obtaining a copy of any map identified in the publication should address their request directly to the Library of Congress division holding the item, e.g., the Geography and Map Division (Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. 20540-4650), or to the Public Service Section, Duplication Services, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. 20540-4574 (tel. 202-707-5640 and fax 202-707-1771) , in order to secure a price quotation for the preparation of a photocopy of the map. In that request, refer to the call number and divisional location, (and specific collection, when applicable) of the individual item to insure exact identification. The entry numbers in this publication can be used instead if the title of this publication, The Luso-Hispanic World in Maps: A Selective Guide to Manuscript Maps to 1900 in the Collections of the Library of Congress, is specified.