While most paper records fit into standard one cubic foot archival boxes, maps and architectural plans usually require separate storage. The Archives uses specially designed map cases to hold records flat.

Many maps and plans that come to the Archives are rolled so the first step is to use a humidity chamber to slowly relax the tightness of the roll. Eventually, the records are flattened and placed in the cabinet by record group and series. Acid free folders and sheets are used to separate records within a drawer.

The process of flattening rolled maps and plans is time consuming. Because of this, a considerable backlog of rolled maps and plans remains to be processed. These records are stored in the stacks in large boxes that provide support for the rolls.

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