--- Begin Forwarded Message ---
Date: Tue, 15 Aug 2000 07:33:02 -0400
From: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Map Case Load
Sender: [log in to unmask]

Some helpful information from my boss regarding weight of map cases when
stacking them.

Erin

----- Forwarded by Erin P Donnelly/GD/USGS/DOI on 08/15/00 07:29 AM -----

A note of caution regarding stacking map cases.  You should not exceed the
weight limit of the floor that the map cases will be sitting on, even if on
grade.  A floor failure on grade may not be as spectacular as one on the
4th floor, but you may regret it none the less.  On grade, a cracked floor
could let in water and cause who knows what kind of other grief.

Fortunately, I am not speaking from experience.  This warning came from a
library design consultant when I gave him the usual, 'we can go as high as
we want because it is on grade'.

Depending on how desperate you are for space, and how deep the pockets of
the people pushing you, you may want to consider putting them on movable
carriages.  The National Archives in College Park, Maryland and NIMA
hydrographic chart collection both have their map cases on carriages.
NIMA's map case are also very high, 6 or 7 units maybe.

Another consideration is installing the  map cases.  Over 4 high, some sort
of mechanical lift device will probably have to be used, more expensive
than straight muscle power.

Good luck.

Bob Bier


**************************************************
Robert A. Bier, Jr.
Chief, Cartographic Information Services
U.S. Geological  Survey Library
950 National Center
Reston, VA 20192

e-mail: [log in to unmask]
Voice: 703-648-6207
Fax:    703-648-6373
Library Website - [log in to unmask]" target="_blank">http:[log in to unmask]

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ms. Erin P. Donnelly          U.S. Geological Survey Library
Email:  [log in to unmask]          Cartographic Information Services
Voice:  703.648.6226               950 National Center, 1C204
Fax:  703.648.6373            12201 Sunrise Valley Drive
URL:  http://library.usgs.gov/           Reston, VA 20192

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