UNM Libraries celebrates staff election to WAML leadership and Upcoming Conference

The College of University Libraries and Learning Sciences announce the election of staff member, Cheyenne Stradinger to a three-year rotation term as vice president, president-elect, and then past president of the Western Association of Map Libraries (WAML).

Stradinger is the library services coordinator for the Maps and Geographic Information Center (MAGIC), which is located in the Centennial Science and Engineering Library (CSEL).Cheyenne's leadership and dedication have been instrumental in advancing MAGIC.

The Western Association of Map Libraries is an independent association of map librarians and other people interested in advancing geospatial excellence in libraries of Western North America and beyond.

MAGIC houses the largest collection of maps and other cartographic information in the state of New Mexico, including atlases, gazetteers, and place name guides. The center is located on the second lower level of CSEL and offers large format scanning for maps within the collection.

As part of the Federal Depository Library Program, MAGIC's extensive collection features maps from various organizations such as the United States Geological Survey, the National Forest Service, the National Park Service, the Central Intelligence Agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, and the Army Corps of Engineers. The collection also includes commercial and donated maps, historic maps like the Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps of New Mexico, historic road maps of New Mexico, and maps of the southwest and the Navajo Nation.

Additionally, the Western Association of Map Libraries (WAML) will hold its annual conference in at UNM for the first time this fall. The conference will take place on Wednesday-Saturday, Sept. 25-28. Additionally, a virtual symposium will be held on Oct. 10 to provide a comprehensive conference summary.

The upcoming WAML conference presents an extraordinary opportunity for map librarians, geospatial professionals, and enthusiasts to gather, share knowledge, and explore innovative practices in the field of map librarianship. CULLS is honored to host this landmark event on our campus and to highlight Stradinger's significant contributions to the community.

For detailed event information, including registration, transportation, and accommodations, visit the official conference website at WAML 2024 Conference. Additionally, for more information about the Maps and Geographic Information Center, visit libguides.unm.edu/magic.