A health information management department currently using 2,000 linear filing inches to store medical records plans to purchase new open shelf filing units. Each of the shelves in a new 6 shelf unit measures 36 linear filing inches. It is estimated that an additional 500 filing inches should be planned to allow for six-year expansion needs. How many new file shelving units should be purchased.

To determine how many new file shelving units should be purchased, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Calculate the total filing inches needed.
The department currently uses 2,000 linear filing inches, and an additional 500 inches are needed for future expansion. So, the total filing inches required is:

\[
\text{Total Filing Inches} = 2000 + 500 = 2500 \text{ linear inches}
\]

### Step 2: Determine the filing capacity of one shelving unit.
Each shelf in the new shelving unit measures 36 linear filing inches, and there are 6 shelves per unit. Therefore, the capacity of one shelving unit is:

\[
\text{Capacity of One Unit} = 6 \times 36 = 216 \text{ linear inches}
\]

### Step 3: Calculate the number of shelving units required.
To find the number of shelving units needed, divide the total filing inches by the capacity of one unit:

\[
\text{Number of Units Required} = \frac{2500}{216} \approx 11.57
\]

Since you cannot purchase a fraction of a shelving unit, you would round up to the nearest whole number. Therefore, the department should purchase **12 shelving units**.

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Would you like more details or have any questions? 

Here are 5 related questions to expand on this topic:
1. How would the calculation change if the current filing inches were 3,000 instead of 2,000?
2. What if each shelving unit had only 5 shelves instead of 6?
3. How could the department optimize space if limited to a specific number of units?
4. What are some alternative storage solutions that could reduce the number of units required?
5. How would changes in the estimated expansion need (e.g., 600 inches instead of 500) affect the number of units required?

**Tip:** When calculating storage needs, always plan for future expansion to avoid running out of space quickly.

Learn how to calculate the number of file shelving units needed for medical records storage based on current and future filing inch requirements. This problem involves arithmetic calculations, specifically division and rounding up to the nearest whole number. Suitable for professionals and administrators managing medical records.

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