-------- Original Message -------- Subject: Re: Standards for measuring map collection storage capacity? Date: Wed, 1 May 2013 10:04:02 -0400 From: Fry, Michael <[log in to unmask]> To: Maps, Air Photo, GIS Forum - Map Librarianship <[log in to unmask]> CC: [log in to unmask] Brendan, Six or eight years ago I had a similar question, and I still have a compilation of replies and/or posts I dug up from the list archives. In short, I've never heard of any sheet map collection measurement units except "shelves". Which, for a whole host of reasons--drawer size, map size, map thickness, usage patterns, use of folders/dividers, presence of backing or encapsulation materials, etc.--is only partially instructive. Here's my compilation: HelenJane Armstrong, Univ. of Florida (ret.) ============================================= The question concerning map and map case weights was addressed in a classic article by Catherine Bahn, Library of Congress Geography and Map Division. It originally appeared in the Special Libraries Association, Geography and Map Division "Bulletin" No.46 (1961), pp.3-17. It was later reprinted in "MAP LIBRARIANSHIP: Readings" compiled by Roman Drazniowsky and published in 1975. Both are titled "Map Libraries--Space and Equipment" The map space estimates were also addressed in "MAP LIBRARIANSHIP: Readings" by Mary Galneder, Univ- ersity of Wisconsin in her article "Storage and Preservation". Mary's article was reprinted from "Special Libraries" vol.61, no.6(1970). pp.271-274. In "Map Librarianship", Mary Larsgaard" cites these article but does not reprint any of the information. Johnnie Sutherland, University of Georgia (ret.) ============================================== I would like to add a little warning about the case weight loads found in the literature. They are mainly averages done with a specific number of maps per drawer, usually the recommended 200 sheets. Actual maximum load can be higher. Here at Georgia I have five high case stacks and some archival storage stacks with over 12,000 maps per standard case stack footprint The cases with the NOAA charts are well over 300 lb/sq ft. Jim Minton at Tennessee has given me figures of over 340 lb for some of his case stacks. [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]> =============================== We weighed some very heavily stuffed 5 drawer Hamiltons and came up with a case total of 500 lbs. Frances Woodward, University of British Columbia ================================================= I was looking for this recently, as there is a question of the map library being moved to an area which we don't think has adequate floor load capacity. Here are a few references: * Beverly CHEN, "Map library design: guidelines, ideas, tips and pitfalls," ACMLA Bulletin, no. 89 (Dec. 1993); * Catherine BAHN, "Map libraries - space and equipment," SLA G&M Division Bulletin, no. 46 (Dec. 1961); * Mary GALNEDER, "Equipment for map libraries," Special Libraries, v. 61 no. 6 (1970). Arlyn Sherwood, IL State Library (ret.) ========================================= There's been a lot of literature over the years on moving map collections, especially in the SLA G&M Bulletin, which probably gives this figure. But our stacks, which includes the map cabinet rooms, were built to the spec of being able to hold 200 pounds per square foot, I think, and we're still on the 3rd and 4th floors after 6 years. Amy Ciccone University of Southern California =================================== A key source used by library architects, planners, and designers, "Planning academic and research library buildings" by Keyes Metcalf (2nd ed., 1986, ed. by Leighton & Weber) states the following (p.183, "Maps and broadsides"): A commonly available case made of steel is fabricated in units of five drawers; the cases are typically set up with two or three units plus a base, which permits use of the top surface for sorting or viewing the maps. Cases have been put together that are 6 ft high or higher, but sheets and folders stored at this height may be damaged when they are removed from or replaced in the cases. When a drawer is so high, one's vision is cut off unless a stool is used when filing. Weight can become a significant factor when these cases are assembled to greater heights. Chris Kimball =============== In my experience, 40 USGS quad sheets(approx 22"x26") weigh 3 lbs. Daniel T. Seldin, Univ. of Indiana (ret.) ============================================ Catherine I. Bahn published an article giving the weight of loaded map cases that gave the weight of 200 maps in a 2" drawer in a 46" map case as 68 pounds. The article, "Map libraries--space and equipment was published in the SLA Geography and Map Division Bulletin, No 46, 1961, p. 3-17. This article was reprinted in Map librarianship : readings / compiled by Roman Drazniowsky. Metuchen, N.J. : The Scarecrow Press, Inc., 1975. p. 364-384. The table of weights is included in the WAML Tool box on the web at http://www.waml.org/mapcabwt.html. David Glen =========== When I put 80 USGS 7.5' quads on the balance scale I get just over 6 lbs. The older quads were printed on heavier paper and these 80 sheets contain a mix of older and newer maps. Kathleen Weessies, Michigan State Univ. ======================================== When I was looking into this several months ago I found wildly different numbers from two sources. I wouldn't take any one number as gospel. I received an email in reply to my request last May from a cartographer in California who said he put 80 USGS 7.5' topos on a scale and he got just over 6 pounds. He notes that the older quads were printed on thicker paper and his 80 sheets were a mixture of old & new. Hope this helps. mf -- Michael Fry Senior Map Librarian National Geographic Society 1145 17th St. N.W. Washington, D.C. 20036 202.857.7098 [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]> -----Original Message----- From: Maps, Air Photo, GIS Forum - Map Librarianship [mailto:[log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]>] On Behalf Of Angie Cope, American Geographical Society Library, UW Milwaukee Sent: Tuesday, April 30, 2013 6:31 AM To: [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]> Subject: Standards for measuring map collection storage capacity? -------- 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] <mailto:[log in to unmask]> <mailto:[log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]>__>> To: Carto-soc <[log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]> <mailto:[log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]>>>, mapsL <[log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]> <mailto:[log in to unmask] <mailto:[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]> <mailto:[log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]>> <mailto:[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 <mailto:[log in to unmask]>