[MSN] IAMA Missing and Stolen Maps Database

[MSN]

----------------------------------- Oorspronkelijk bericht ------------------------------------
Onderwerp: [MUSEUM-L] Fw: IAMA Missing and Stolen Maps Database
Van:       "MARZIO VENEMAN" <max.rythmos at YAHOO.COM>
Datum:     Di, 29 april, 2008 11:04 am
Aan:       MUSEUM-L at HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM
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Dear subscribers,

Recently, the *Missing Map Index* of the International Antiquarian Mapsellers
Association has been completed.
During the last ten months it has been a work in progress. Please be so kind to
provide these details to relevant authorities and re-sellers, if applicable.
http://www.missingmaps.info/index.htm
http://www.missingmaps.info/index.htm
In early February 2008, the International Antiquarian Mapsellers Association (IAMA)
voted to provide funding for the development and maintenance of a missing and stolen
map database. The database is the result of advance cooperation and collaboration
between dealers, collectors, librarians and curators. The names of the early
non-IAMA member supporters may be seen online on our acknowledgment page. IAMA
dealers are listed in a separate member directory.

The problem of theft of early cartographic materialshas been the subject of
increased media attention, and demands for more aggressive measures to prevent theft
and punish perpetrators. Cooperation between dealers and librarians is crucial in
the recovery of stolen materials, as exemplified by the 2007 thefts of an early
American atlasand the maps found stolen from the National Library of Spain.

This developing database is one of many efforts in the fight against international
thefts of cultural property. This is free of charge, fully searchable, international
in scope, and accessible using individual usernames and passwords. The title was
selected to indicate that not all the reported items are necessarily stolen, as
there are other factors that may, at times, result in the disappearance of these
valuable historical documents.

We believe that this database will be a useful tool, facilitating more rapid and
accurate dispersal of information between relevant groups, including law
enforcement. This would speed the retrieval of these valuable stolen documents for
libraries, collectors and dealers. The database, because of the level of detail
required, would also aid all parties in deciding which items on the market were not
stolen, since it is important not to indict every similar item on the commercial
market. All of these factors would help to minimize future financial losses from
theft.

There is a standardized submission form for reporting missing or stolen items, and
the database will encourage the use of images (when available) of those specific
items. Accessing this form requires registration and login. There is no fee for
registration. The report forms will be reviewed for accuracy of detail and adequacy
of content prior to entry into the database. This report form will also recommend a
level of descriptive detail for those owning valuable early maps, acting as yet
another safeguard against theft.

 I trust this information is sufficient for your purposes, in case you require any
additional details, please do not hesitate to contact me.


Yours sincerely,
Cordiali Saluti


Marzio Veneman
The Netherlands
ICQ:  377511089