3 messages. A major manufacturer of vertical cases, or plan files, tried
for years to get a part of the Map Library market here in the U.S. He did
not succeed as the map librarians, especially in the larger collections, have
always felt that horizontal cases give better protection and are more flexible.
I have seen two types of vertical cases, the post case as described by April
Carlucci in her message, and a spring compression case, called a plan file.
Both have similar problems as described below. Some Map Librarians do like
the plan file. If I remember right, Joanne Perry at Oregon State was a vocal
supporter of plan files.-------------------------------Johnnie
---------------------------------------------------------------
>Date: Mon, 15 Jan 1996 08:02:15 +0000
>From: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Map cases: horizontal, please
This is like the re-run of a very old sitcom. In 1974
I inherited vertical filing cases, which demanded a lot
of conservation attention to each map before it could
go into a vertical suspension cabinet. I got shot of
them all. The day the earth's gravity changes, and
maps stand on their edge without support, I may change
back. Maps vertically are in an inherently unstable
environment: they can't remain that way without
sideways pressure, or hook support or both. Loose in
folders they will always tend downwards, and crumple.
Also, trying to lift heavy folders to full height from
a vertical case while at full forward stretch is a
recipe for chronic lower back pain.
I know, I've been there.
The answer is to keep flat maps horizontal, and don't
let your patrons into the drawers. If you HAVE to
allow unsupervised patron access to the map cases, then
folder the maps, label the folders, fill the drawers
far less full than in any normal storage environment,
and control the re-filing yourself.
Andrew Cook
India Office Records
London
[log in to unmask]
----------------------------------------------------------------------
>Date: Mon, 15 Jan 1996 12:20:15 +0000
>From: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Horizontal vs. Vertical
Horizontal vs. Vertical Map Cases
I suspect there hasn't been much discussion about this query as
vertical map cases are not well known in the U.S. I had never
seen one until I got to London, so I was only used to using
horizontal cases.
However, at my first post here in London, at a small special
library, I found myself faced with a room full of vertical cases.
Even after six months to get used to them, my reaction has to be
"Who in their right mind even invented these?" There are
variations in how the cases work; the ones I had required a strip
of paper or cardboard with appropriately spaced holes to be
attached to each map, and then the map suspended by lining up the
holes with rods (more like spears) which protrude from the front
and the back of the case. I hope the description makes
sense--it's hard to describe something so unusual!
First, there are the questions of conservation practice involved
in attaching the strips to the maps (as well as the likelihood of
the map tearing when the strip starts to come loose--and the time
involved in getting that strip on). The effort needed to remove
the maps is substantial. Browsing is close to impossible--and
I've heard it said that these systems are more appropriately used
in offices (architects, etc) when you know exactly the one item
you need to retrieve. A map dropped in the case is a major
project to recover. Because the cases are unfamiliar and
difficult to handle, it is more than possible to spear the
map--and I came close to spearing my hand a few times. Again,
depending on the exact model of case, the case is also more
likely to fall (forward, on the user) unless properly secured to
the floor.
I understand that you might suspend folders and place the maps in the
folder, eliminating the frightening idea of attaching strips to the
maps. However, the thought of pulling and replacing a folder is worse
than manipulating just one map. Can the college football team be
recruited for map library duty? You'll need that kind of strength.
Speaking of floor, or floorspace to be exact, remember that you
cannot stack vertical cases, thus your use of floorspace is much
less efficient. While each vertical case takes up about half the
floorspace of one horizontal five-drawer unit, the capacity is
roughly the same, so it's like limiting your capacity to a height
of two five-drawer units--preferred for convenience, but not
always practical.
As you can tell, I suggest you go with horizontal cases. If you
find that patrons are damaging maps, find solutions for that
problem. Are the maps in the flat drawers in folders (fold to the
front of the drawer), so that the entire folder must be pulled?
The maps are at much less risk that way.
Thanks for the use of the soapbox.
**********************************************************************
April Carlucci [log in to unmask]
The British Library Voice +44 171 412 7000x4167
Map Library +44 171 412 7703
Great Russell Street Fax +44 171 412 7780
London WC1B 3DG
United Kingdom "Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!"
**********************************************************************
----------------------------------------------------------------
>From: [log in to unmask]
>.Subject: Re: Map cases Horizontal vs Vertical
>Date: Mon, 15 Jan 96 17:08:58 GMT
> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> I have been asked, "What is your preference, for new map cases,
> horizontal or vertical?"
> Since,I have access to all of you. What type do you prefer and why?
> Personally, my patrons damage more maps, in my horizontal cases.
> Please e-mail me and I will summarize for the list.
> TIA
>
> Peter Gratton [log in to unmask]
> Government Publications Dept Library
> Univ of Nevada, Las Vegas
> 4505 Maryland Parkway
> Box 457013
> Las Vegas NV 89154-7013
>
I prefer the vertical. They hold more maps and take less floor space. Betty
Lou Hicks, Librarian, Hanson Engineers Inc.
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