--- Begin Forwarded Message ---
Date: Mon, 9 Apr 2001 09:23:05 -0400 (Eastern Daylight Time)
From: Mark Thomas <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: map shelving <fwd>
Sender: Mark Thomas <[log in to unmask]>


On Wed, 4 Apr 2001 16:02:50 -0500 Johnnie Sutherland
<[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> I'm writing with a question from a librarian in need of new map
> shelving.    She needs stackable map cases approximately 16 1/4" high,
> 49 1/4" wide and 39 1/4" deep to add on to existing shelves.

Elaine,

I assume you mean map cases with drawers, like the typical 5-drawer
stackable units.

These dimensions are really close to the ones for the Hamilton model
2J15 (or 2J15D, with dust covers in the drawers). Dimensions in
catalog listed as 49-5/16 x 38-1/2 x 15-3/8.  The Hamilton "Unit
System" plan files come in several other sizes, too, with model
numbers beginning with 1J through 4J.  They're good.

Slightly cheaper are the Hamilton "Regular Series," model numbers
beginning 5J through 7J for the different sizes. They can't be
inter-stacked with the ones above.

Slightly cheaper still, made by the same company (Mayline), are the
Mayline "Steel Plan Files," with catalog numbers beginning 7767,
7768, and 7769. These inter-stack with the Hamilton "Regular Series,"
but not with the "Unit System."

They've *finally* put their catalog online, at www.mayline.com
(Acrobat format). You should be able to get them quite a bit cheaper
then the "list" prices.  You need to contact a local Mayline/Hamilton
dealer about the "plan files" (that's what they're called) to get a
price quote.  They wait until they have a bunch of orders before
they crank up the assembly line, so there may be a wait. Also,
they're no longer available in my favorite color, drab olive. :-)

Our 1940s Hamiltons have probably held up better than the 1960s
Maylines (the screws holding in the bearings work out and then get
stipped if no one ever tightens them back in and the drawers stop
working smoothly). But our Maylines probably have higher use material
in them.

Russ Bassett used to make plan files, but couldn't compete and
stopped. We have some antiques from Lyon and Art Metal, but these are
no longer made and are quite cheapie.

Whatever brand you get, you need to get the sort that has separate
bases and tops, to provide stacking flexibility.

I hope this helps.  --Mark

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Mark Thomas / [log in to unmask] / 919-660-5853, fax:919-684-2855
Map and GIS Librarian / Economics Bibliographer
Public Documents and Maps Department
025 Perkins Library / Duke University, Durham, NC 27708-0177

--- End Forwarded Message ---