What are open-shelf filing units and when are they better than drawer-based cabinets?

Open-shelf filing units look like bookshelves with dividers, and folders hang on shelf supports across the unit width rather than in a drawer. They're popular in medical practices, legal firms, and high-volume filing rooms for several reasons: retrieval is faster (no drawer to open), shelves can be higher than drawers (more storage per square foot), and aisle space needed in front is less than a fully-opened drawer. The tradeoffs: files are exposed (less dust and security protection than closed drawers), and shelving requires more discipline to keep organized since there's no containment. For high-volume, fast-access filing environments where security is controlled by room access rather than individual locks, open-shelf filing is often the most efficient solution. FindOfficeFurniture.com — call 888-719-4960.