A few years ago we started planning the move of our museum and
collections into a new building, as part of my preliminary homework I
talked to the people at the Library and Archives Canada (our National
Archives) and asked them for advice. One of the things I was concerned
about was moving our map collection! - Oversized flat files!!

They were great! They even let me borrow one of their nifty stainless
steel "U-Boats" - a large cart with a removable top underneath which is
a large U shaped cradle for holding oversized documents. I believe they
told me at the time that a medical company in Kingston Ontario custom
made them to their requirements. It was a lifesaver for our move, but
for our storage rooms and doors it would not be practical for us for
everyday use - simply too big.

What I wound up doing was "designing" a U-shape form to be made out of
acrylic that could simply sit on top of an existing cart, hollow with
hand-holds cut-out on each side. The idea being that when not in use it
sits in a corner of the storage room, and when you need it - presto!
Place it on top of the cart, load it up and calmly and easily pass
through the door, no need for acrobatics or opening both doors or
needing two people etc. I then went out to a couple of local plastics
companies with my little sketch and asked what they could do. One of the
companies came back with exactly what I asked for - it is light weight
yet solid, portable, easy to use, and the map folders fit nicely and
safely in the bend of the U. 

And best of all - it cost less then $350 Canadian!!

Carol Reid
Collections Manager, Archives
Canadian War Museum
1 Vimy Place
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1R 1C2
819-776-8661
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www.warmuseum.ca

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