The Eisenhower Library of The Johns Hopkins University uses shelving with hinge
d fronts in its Science/Technology Current Periodicals Reading Room.  We are ac
tually quite happy with it.  A number of years ago, we also had similar shelvin
g in the Humanities/Social Sciences reading room, but apparently those were of
different manufacture - the hinged covers fell off a lot and were removed.  We
have no such problem with Sci/Tech.  I consulted with the staff and they like t
hem.  The presentation of the most current issue is an attractive feature.  We
have not experienced problems with the "hidden" issues.  You do have to lift th
e front every time you reshelve, but our staff doesn't seem to mind (we use mos
tly students for this).  As long as the hinged fronts stay on, I think you'll f
ind you like this shelving.  I should say that the Sci/Tech reading room has a
more select user group than the larger, more general one.  However, it is an op
en room without a regularly staffed assistance desk, so anyone can use it.  Bes
t of luck.

David James
Head, Acquisitions Department
The Milton S. Eisenhower Library
The Johns Hopkins University