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All,
 
        I replied directly after the original posting, but let me offer a
suggestion to the general body. The UT CIC is the 100% GPO Map depository
for Tennessee, so we get 'em all. The narrow DMA tubes are the worst, but
I've really had good luck with getting a finger or two to grasp the
leading edge of the map and twist it inside the tube.  If you twist them
while the maps are still completely inside the tube, get the roll's
diameter smaller, and the slide them out while still giving the tube a
counter-twist, they normaly slide right out. If the tube is bent or
broken though, we use the biscuit tube method and just un-peel them.
Sounds like that's already a popular method.
        I think the key to the way we do it here is keeping the maps in
the tube while you twist them down. The problem with twisting them while
pulling them out is that they tend to want to turn into a big cone and
that locks them into the tube and can damage the maps. Sure, you're gonna
get a tube now and then that seems like it wants to tear your fingers off,
but most of the time it works like a charm. And with those tough cases,
we just start a tear on the seam of the tube and peel. I agree
whole-heartedly though that the triangle USGS shippers are the best.
Plus, our recycle people won't touch the DMA/NOS tubes because they're
not the "right kind of cardboard". They love the USGS ones though...
another plus.
 
I hope this helps some of y'all,
 
Eric
 
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Eric Schmidt                      |
University of Tennessee           |
Cartographic Information Center   |     Tennessee State ESIC Office
(423) 974-4315                    |
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