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.