Vertical Files 101

Last updated: 21 July 2026 -gmc

A vertical file is a collection of articles, pamphlets, clippings, programs, menus, posters, etc. that is maintained (often within a library or archives setting) to answer brief questions or to provide points of information not easily located. (Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary).

Uses of Historical Vertical Files 

It used to be that vertical files were physical ephemera, materials such as newspaper and article clippings, brochures, ticket stubs, programs from community events, photographs, pamphlets, etc. that were meant to be kept for short periods and then discarded. In the pre-internet days, students often had to do prepare reports on current events or topics. When librarians noticed that the same subject came up several times within a short period of time, voilà, there would soon be a folder of  relevant resources about the "topic of the day" to share with the students. Every so often, someone would clean out the "topic of the day" file, add newer materials, remove out of date materials, and decide when to discard the file.  

A different process is used in special collections and archives unit with vertical files. Our topics of interest tend to endure across years, decades and even centuries. Because of the mission of the BDC, our vertical files are focused on a limited range of topics within a specific geographical area. Historical vertical files are created and then meant to be maintained, added to, and preserved indefinitely for the future. We collect and maintain over 1,600 vertical files on historical, cultural, or environmental topics that directly relate to people, places, issues, organizations, themes, eras, or issues of local importance in the Research Room. 

We do not have the resources to inventory every item in a vertical file so it is very important that customers keep the materials in order as some items are unique. The contents of our vertical files has helped many an historian, genealogist, writer and the BDC staff do research over the years. In my case, the vertical files have inspired a good deal of social media posts and formed the foundation of some of the presentations I have done for BDC local history programs or for community groups.   

The vertical file array continues to evolve. We add new vertical file titles as we need them. We might re-label a specific vertical file, or create several new vertical files from one that has grown too large for the folders, but we never, ever destroy contents of historical vertical files. The number will only keep growing as the breadth, depth and scope of 21st century life unfolds.

Key points for you to remember: 

• BDC Vertical Files are "Forever."
• Historical vertical files are the core of the entire BDC. Their contents cannot be replaced. 
• BDC historical vertical files are used a lot by BDC staff and customers. 
  

You can use the key words "vertical file" in the catalog search box or use the format term "Continuing Resources" in the catalog to limit results to bring up the entire gamut of titles within the BDC Vertical File Collection. I think that you'll find the scope of the folder titles within the vertical files interesting, if not, breath-taking. 1600 files and counting is a lot of folder titles!

Call us or e-mail us if you have questions about the contents of a particular vertical file. Our telephone number is 843-255-6468. Our e-mail address is: bdc@bcgov.net.