Muncie Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps Online

The Muncie Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps are now available online in the Digital Media Repository: http://libx.bsu.edu/sanborn.php

The University Libraries copies of the maps from 1883-1911 were scanned to create the collection. Muncie maps from 1954 were not scanned, but they are available for viewing in the University Libraries Archives (Bracken Library Rm. 210). Microfilm copies of the Indiana maps are available in the University Libraries microform collection.

Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps were produced for insurance underwriters but they have become an invaluable historical record. Information on the maps includes building footprints color-coded by construction material, building use, house and block numbers, and measurements for buildings and streets.

Bracken Library has the Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps on microfilm. Ask at the Periodicals/Reserves/Microforms desk for help finding and using microfilm. You can copy or scan images from the microfilm using the microform readers on 1 West in Bracken Library.

Select maps from other locations have also been digitized by libraries across the country. For example, the Indiana State Library scanned their 1887, 1897, and 1915 maps and made them available online at: http://indiamond6.ulib.iupui.edu/sanbornJP2/

Florence Cathedral and its Piazza

Didn't go to Florence for spring break? Then you may want to take a look at this new CD in the Architecture Library's collection. It has information on much of the sculpture and artwork in the cathedral, but the best part is the 360 degree views inside the cathedral, the bapistry, the piazza, and the terrace.

A good way to gain a greater understanding of the layout of the cathedral and the piazza, the CD is also a cheap way to take a look around Florence!

Ask for the Florence Cathedral and its Piazza CD (call number: C1959) at the Circulation Desk. CDs check out for 2 weeks.

[Picture credit: David R. Hermansen, photographer. From the Visual Resource Collection's Architecture Images collection in the Digital Media Repository]

Spring Break Hours

Yes, the Architecture Library and the Visual Resources Collection are open during spring break. However, our hours are slightly different and we will be closed a couple of days on the weekends.

See the hours pages for each location for the full story:

Architecture Library Hours page

VRC Hours page

And if you are off to a sunny locale for break, enjoy!

Finding Videos in the Library

Looking for videos in the library? Choose the option that best fits your needs:

1. Look for the video by title in CardCat. Already know the title? Then type it in and go!


2. Look for all the videos in the Architecture Library by using the Advanced Search in CardCat by choosing DVD (or VHS) from the FORMAT drop-down menu and selecting Architecture Library from the LIBRARY drop-down menu.


3. Look for videos in Bracken Library or the Architecture Library using the MediaFinder for videos. Search by keyword, format, title, and more.


4. Browse Bracken Library videos by genre on the DVD/VHS Collections page.

Found your video? Ask at the Architecture Library Circulation Desk for our videos; ask at the Educational Resources desk for videos in their collection.

Remember, videos check out for 3 days.