-------- Original Message --------
Subject:        Re: question about stacking map cases
Date:   Thu, 27 Jan 2011 10:43:02 -0800
From:   Cynthia Moriconi <[log in to unmask]>
To:     Maps, Air Photo, GIS Forum - Map Librarianship
<[log in to unmask]>



Hello maps folks,

There is an important ergonomic aspect to how high you stack your cases.

After tearing a rotator cuff muscle while yanking on a stuck map drawer
a few years ago (dumb, dumb, dumb!) I learned that women in particular
should be very cautious about any activity when your arms are extended
at shoulder height or higher. You have less strength and are *much* more
susceptible to injury.

Therefore, if your cases are stacked 4 high (20 drawers) most women and
many men will be in that compromised, arms elevated, position when
opening a drawer, unless you are on a rolling ladder or Kik-Step stool.
(I'm a very average height, 5'5").

Because we're very definitely in earthquake country, our cases are
bolted to the floor, bolted to each other, and attached to the wall
where possible.

Best,

Cynthia

On Jan 27, 2011, at 7:47 AM, Angie Cope wrote:

> -------- Original Message --------
> Subject: question about stacking map cases
> Date: Wed, 26 Jan 2011 15:11:14 -0800
> From: Robert Lopresti <[log in to unmask]
> <mailto:[log in to unmask]>>
> To: Maps, Air Photo, GIS Forum - Map Librarianship
> <[log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]>>
>
> Hi folks-
>
> I'm new in the field of map librarianship and we are in the process of
> moving part of our collection. We have map cases that stand fifteen
> shelves high and others that stand 20 high. Most (but not all) of the
> 20-high are next to walls. I can't tell if they are attached or not,
> but I think not.
>
> The question I was asked was: is it a safety issue to have the cases 20
> shleves high if they aren't near or attached to walls?
>
> Thanks,
> Rob
>
>
> Rob Lopresti
> Map Librarian, Liaison for Huxley College and Government Information
> Librarian
> Western Washington University
> 360-650-3342 [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]>
>

Cynthia Moriconi
Head, Maps Unit
Science & Engineering Library
University of California, Santa Cruz
1156 High Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95064
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