WHAT IS A
LATERAL FILING - SHELF
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The perennial problem is how to make the files stand upright on the shelving. Over the years there have been a number of tries at getting this right and the good ones have managed to stay around for a while.
When it was decided to put files into stationery cupboards in the early 1950's, the manufacturers of stationery made most of their money out of suspension sleeves for vertical suspension filing and they just converted the machinery to make the lateral suspension sleeve.
However these have been improved over the years, with alternatives available.
METAL SHELF DIVIDERS, PIGEON HOLES
These have the problem of the folders falling over when they are not full, the folders get buckled and difficult to read the end tab. Colour Coding has very little effect in this configuration.
They were very popular with British Style Bureaucracies with Horizontal filing.
TOAST RACKS
I believe an Australian Invention as I have seen very little of them in the overseas literature. This is basically a plastic coated wire frame that sits into or onto the shelving that holds the folders up. The "racks" are usually 4"(100mm) apart and assist in holding the files up.
SHELF BOXES
Developed I believe first by Tab Products but like most good ideas, it has been copied all around the world to suit different practices and needs in each country.
This box sits on the shelf with the protruding lip holding it in place.
The Databox ™ from Tab Datafile is held on a frame as illustrated, though it will sit happily on a shelf.
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