Clipboards Types and Styles

Choose a clipboard that best suits your needs

By Casey Holley

Clipboards are an easy way to keep papers together. If your company ever has the need to write outdoors, a clipboard is an ideal way to keep the papers from flying away.

Choosing a clipboard for your needs means that you will have to sort through various clipboards types and styles. Consider the following suggestions to help you choose your clipboards:

1. Start off with a basic clipboard.

2. Upgrade to a clipboard that has storage space.

3. Make calculations and abbreviations easy for nursing staff.

4. Prevent littering the roadway with citations by using a law enforcement clipboard.

5. Explain plays using a coaching clipboard.

Consider the basic office clipboard

A basic clipboard is just a board that has a paper clasp on it. These designs are commonly used as a way to keep papers organized. Some businesses use these to hang documents on the wall. Others use this type of clipboard to have a firm writing surface to complete documents while standing.
Try: OfficeDiscountClub.com and Office Depot both sell basic clipboards. The plastic clipboard models are available in a varied selection of colors. Both companies offer free shipping on qualifying orders.

Add storage to the clipboards

Some professions, such as people who collect payments and debts in the field, need a place to put receipts and other documents. However, because privacy is a concern, a storage area that is hidden from public view is ideal.
Try: Clean Sweep Supply sells acrylic and aluminum clipboard models, many of which have storage. MFG Direct offers metal clipboards. Some of the models have an antibacterial coating, which makes them ideal for people who use them in public or for those who share the clipboard with a group of people.

Get a medical clipboard for nursing staff

A medical clipboard has abbreviations and conversions printed on them to make it easier for nursing staff to ensure that patients receive the proper care and medication doses. However, because some abbreviations vary from facility to facility, check the clipboards to ensure they are the ones your facility use.
Try: Clipboards.org and Standris both sell medical clipboard models that have a calculator and a light available. Some of the models have an optional storage tray.

Order law enforcement clipboards

Law enforcement clipboards are made for writing citations. These clipboards often feature a magnifying glass and light to make reading a license at night easier.
Try: Saunders offers a personalized clipboards for law enforcement, which includes a license holder and an LCD screen with upcoming court dates and times. Cops Plus offers clip boards that are sized for citations. These are available in bottom opening or side opening options.

Plan plays with a coaching clipboard

A coaching clipboard has a pre-printed diagram of the field, court or diamond on the board. Because of this, the clipboards are sports specific. These are usually a dry erase board, which enables the coach to plan plays and explain them to players easily.
Try: The Coaching Store and Robbins Sports are both sports clipboard suppliers. Both companies offer discounted prices and fast shipping.