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Re: what do you call your archival storage?



Good question. Although not a pet name, it is really an important public relations question. It may seem trivial to us ("call me anything but late for dinner"), but how we refer to our spaces affect public opinion.
In trying to get support for a new building, I have tried to avoid using the word "storage." It is too easy for people to think of a warehouse, or, worse, one of those mini self-store units found throughout the country, where security concerns are superficial and environmental controls non-existent.
 
I hate morgue. Don't even go there.
 
I like stacks, but it does not quite convey the sense we want.
 
Repository or depository are both stuffy and easily confused with a treatment for certain unmentionable medical conditions.
 
I kind of like Maryland's "Hall of Records", but I'm trying to build space for library and museum materials, also.
 
What's wrong with "The Vaults" instead of the stacks (note the use of caps to give weight to the phrase).
 
What about "Hall of Treasures" or "Treasure House" or "Storehouse"?
 
I look forward to seeing what others think about this.
 
Max J. Evans
Director, Utah State Historical Society
(801) 533-3551
mevans@utah.gov
http://history.utah.gov

>>> Michael Rhode <RHODE@AFIP.OSD.MIL> 3/26/02 10:09:13 AM >>>
A writer friend of mine asked:

"Is there a pet name for the file storage room, some jokey monicker that's
not to obscure for the outside world to comprehend? Y'know, like "morgue"
in
the newspapers?"

Unfortunately, I just use 'the stacks'  which isn't very interesting.
Anyone else have something good for him?

Thanks,

Mike

Michael Rhode, Archivist
Otis Historical Archives
National Museum of Health and Medicine
Armed Forces Institute of Pathology
Washington, DC 20306-6000
202-782-2212; FAX 202-782-3573
http://natmedmuse.afip.org/
http://natmedmuse.afip.org/collections/archives/archives.html
PLEASE NOTE: The archives is closed for renovation effective January 21,
2002.

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