-------- Original Message --------
Subject:        Standards for measuring map collection storage capacity?
Date:   Tue, 30 Apr 2013 05:33:16 +0000
From:   Brendan Whyte <[log in to unmask]>
To:     Carto-soc <[log in to unmask]>, mapsL <[log in to unmask]>



NSLA, the National and State Libraries of Australasia (i.e. Australia
and NZ) have a working group on collection storage, and are wanting to
standardise the way each institution calculates and reports map storage
volumes.

Book storage is measured in linear metres of shelving, but maps are more
tricky to measure (drawersful? Cabinetsful? Vertical metres? Pure sheet
numbers?).

In terms of total capacity, and the amount of it which is currently
occupied, and the amount of annual growth in collection size, they have
asked me to ask the list:

   “Does anyone have information on methodologies and units of measure
for recording capacity, occupancy, growth and vacancy rates of map
collections to assist with undertaking storage projections? Is anyone
aware of any standards relating to this?”

Please send responses to Kylie Hawkins [log in to unmask]
<mailto:[log in to unmask]> before 19 May.

We're particualy interested to know if there are any standard
methodologies used by other library associations or groupings.

Thank you!

Brendan Whyte

National Library of Australia