Have you ever encountered the term “cubic foot” and wondered exactly how much space it represents? It’s a common unit of measurement, especially in fields like archiving, but understanding its real-world implications can be tricky. Let’s break down what a cubic foot is and how to visualize it.
Archivists often use the term “cubic foot” to describe the size of collections, but it’s not always easy for non-experts to grasp. The archives profession has its own specialized vocabulary, much like any other field. While this jargon allows professionals to communicate effectively, it can create a barrier when explaining collection sizes to researchers or the general public. For example, stating that a collection is “217 cubic feet” might not resonate with someone unfamiliar with the measurement. So, how do we make this abstract concept more concrete?
One cubic foot is essentially the volume of a space that measures approximately 12 inches in length, 12 inches in width, and 12 inches in height (12 × 12 × 12 inches). This standard measurement is used to quantify the amount of materials – paper, photographs, film, and more – that archives hold. It’s also important for work planning, determining storage space usage, and forecasting future storage needs. Furthermore, it aids in administrative tasks such as ordering supplies.
To better visualize a cubic foot, let’s look at some common archival boxes. Two of the most frequently encountered box types in archives, particularly when dealing with paper records, are the Federal Records Center carton and the legal archives box.
The image above displays these boxes, which can help give you a sense of scale. The 217 cubic foot collection mentioned earlier would consist of roughly 217 of the larger boxes on the left or about 430 of the smaller boxes on the right. Seeing these boxes helps to turn an abstract measurement into a tangible quantity.
Another relatable example of a cubic foot is the stereotypical “cardboard box of unemployment.” This is a common trope in entertainment where a fired or quitting employee leaves their workplace carrying a box that contains personal items like a plant, a framed photo, and maybe a few purloined office supplies.
Think of an ordinary household box suitable for packing items for a picnic. This everyday object is roughly the size of a cubic foot, making the measurement easily understandable.
In summary, a cubic foot is a standard unit for measuring volume, especially useful for quantifying collections of documents or objects. By visualizing it as a 12x12x12 inch cube, a common box size, or even the proverbial “unemployment box,” you can better understand how much space a cubic foot actually occupies. This understanding helps bridge the gap between technical jargon and practical comprehension.
