University of Missouri - Columbia Archives


Policy Number 18: Vertical Reference File


1. POLICY:

A Vertical File of ready reference materials is maintained and updated on a regular basis.

2. PURPOSE:

Located in the Archives Reading Room, the Vertical File contains ready reference materials available for quick information in response to patron inquiries on a variety of University topics. More current materials are included in this resource than in the general holdings of the Archives.

3. SCOPE:

This policy applies to all University of Missouri - Columbia Archives staff members.

4. RESPONSIBILITIES:

While all staff members should add to the Vertical File copies of any information they find appropriate, it is primarily the responsibility of the Reference Archivist to choose appropriate materials, prepare them for inclusion in the Vertical File, and update the Contents List on the web site.

5. DEFINITIONS:

5-1. Vertical File - ready-reference materials used to provide quick information for patron queries about University of Missouri - Columbia topics.

6. PROCEDURES:

6-1. As part of a regular routine, the Reference Archivist looks through relevant news media, notes and identifies news clippings, articles, stories, or posts in print or in electronic format that have significance for the Columbia campus, and then makes (or delegates making) copies for inclusion in the Vertical File. If a new subject heading is required, and thus a new folder, the folder is labeled following the example of the other vertical file folders, and the new folder heading is added to the Contents List maintained on the vertical file finding aid posted on the Archives' web site ( https://muarchives.missouri.edu/vertical.html).

6-2. Similarly, if any staff member finds information about the University within a collection or other source that may be helpful in a ready reference query, the copying and filing procedures listed above will also apply.

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Revised: 16 April 2024

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