Atlases

Much like the debate in the encyclopedia section, there are pros and cons for both of these.

I feel having recent maps with political breakdowns and geographical breakdowns are excellent sources to have in the library. I recently got a whole 3" binder of one off maps for areas all around the world. Each country/city/world area is in this 3 ring binder and it cost me under $75. The company name slips my mind now, but it is very good. What is great about a source like this is for when students are doing country projects. The computer lab is not always free so sometimes doing their country research in the library or their classroom they not only need books and/or encyclopedias, but having a source like this where the teacher can put on the one page map from the binder and pass it to the students to work at their desks makes a huge difference in the teacher's lesson plans. Much more flexible. 

Another positive is the world map is not changing as much as it was in the 1990s. Countries are more stable now. The former USSR countries have settled, so the changers that do happen tend to be a much smaller scale.

Online atlases are great. I have some on my weblog for my library for the students to use for their homework. I would not shy away from using them. However I will always push for a real map in their hands as this is a very valuable skill for a student to learn at the elementary age.


Where am I going?
I really like the link that you have posted about Texas and I plan to add that to my library blog. Much like my opinion on online encyclopedias/dictionaries/resources I am starting to become much more confident in this area and feel like am I really making a difference with my knowledge in helping the students' learning and making the teachers' lives less complicated. I feel like I have learned so much this past few months with both of my online UBC courses. Both classes were giving me so many great ideas and suggestions on things I can add to my skills. Working with online atlases is just another one of those great pieces of knowledge to know about and it really makes me stand out as a great and knowledgable librarian.