--- Begin Forwarded Message ---
Date: Thu, 19 Apr 2001 09:56:13 -0500
From: "Dienes, Jennie" <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: RE: Stacking Map Cases <fwd>
Sender: "Dienes, Jennie" <[log in to unmask]>



  For some five years the KU Map Library had cases stacked 5 high (about 8
feet high).  It was quite a job to retrieve and file maps near the ceiling.
Students and patrons (in some instances) perched on a tall ladder to get the
map needed (since we are an open-stacks library).  It was difficult when the
drawers were quite full.  Folders which could be quite heavy had to be
removed to file away or retrieve a map near the bottom of the drawer.  We
moved to a new area where we are mostly two- or three-high.  It is a joy to
have such "easy" access to our materials.
  Maps are heavy in addition to the drawer weight.  It is extremely
important that the top three cases be attached together to prevent the upper
cases from toppling when drawers are open and in use up high.  I understand
from my supervisor that map cases which had not been attached together have
"toppled" over.  Fortunately no one was hurt.  We have several four-high
stacks of cases but the top two have to be attached before we will put
anything into the top one.  I do not have a fear of heights and have done
the fifth-level work, but if you could avoid that fifth level, in my
opinion, it would be much better for staff and patrons alike.
  Jennie Dienes
  T.R. Smith Map Library
  University of Kansas




-----Original Message-----
From: Johnnie Sutherland [mailto:
Sent: Tuesday, April 17, 2001 3:42 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Stacking Map Cases <fwd>


--- Begin Forwarded Message ---
Date: Tue, 17 Apr 2001 15:59:36 -0400
From: "McDonald, Demetra Evette" <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Stacking Map Cases
Sender: "McDonald, Demetra Evette" <[log in to unmask]>

This message is cross-posted on Maps-L and GovDoc-L. Please excuse any
duplication.

We are considering moving our map collection to the basement of our library
and stacking the cases 5 high (8 1/2 feet).

*       Are there any libraries out there that have their map cases stacked
this high? If so, what has been your experience? Any problems or concerns?
Is your map collection open to the public or is it closed stacks?
*       Are there any suggested guidelines for how high map cases should be
stacked? For instance, is 8 1/2 feet too high? What about user and staff
safety or accessibility?
*       Are there any other issues we should consider before making our
move?

Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Please respond to me off list. I will summarize for the list if others are
interested.

Thank you for your assistance.

Demetra E. McDonald
Library Technical Assistant I
Documents Department
Joyner Library
East Carolina University
Greenville, NC 27858
(252) 328-6533
--- End Forwarded Message ---
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