-------- Original Message --------
Subject:        re: Locking and securing map cases
Date:   Fri, 23 May 2008 10:02:00 -1000
From:   Ross Togashi <[log in to unmask]>
To:     [log in to unmask]



Aloha Carol,

Please take a look at the WAML Information Bulletin for two photoessays
on locking map cases.

--"Map Case Security Device, v. 27, no.1, Nov. 1995.  The University of
Hawaii Library's "homemade solution" to securing map cases using "L"
brackets, metal pipe, padlock, and a length of steel bar or chain is
demonstrated.



--"Safe Storage of Maps and Oversize Flat Items at the Alaska State
Library's Historical Collection", by Artemis BonaDea, v28, no.3, July
1997.  A locking system similar looking to the Medeco and "multi-lock
swing-open security bars" is described.



The topic has also appeared on previous discussions here on Maps-L, so a
search of the archives may prove fruitful.



Some comments to your particular situation:



-          Stacking cases higher than the manufacturer’s recommended
height may void warranties.

-          Some brands of map cases can be bolted together, and not just
sit on top of each other unsecured.  Bolted cases may be safer.  Do you
live in an earthquake zone?

-          Stacking map cases 5-units high may present some concerns to
vertically challenged and acrophobic map assistants.  Stable
ladders/step stools will be needed, and safe map filing techniques MUST
be employed.

-          Check with a building engineer to be sure that your floors
can bear the weight of increased maps and map cases.

-          Lining up a rigid locking bar becomes more problematic as you
increase map case height.  Chains may be easier to use.

-          Ask at your local home renovation and hardware stores for
sources of steel and aluminum “L” or “C” bars.  You can also search the
yellow pages under “building material”.



I am neither an engineer nor expert on map cases, but I personally would
not like them stacked higher than 4-units just on the
safety/accessibility issue alone.


Good luck!



Ross

****************************************************
Ross Togashi, Map Technician
and WAML Photoessay Editor

University of Hawai`i at Manoa
Hamilton Library
2550 McCarthy Mall
Honolulu, HI   96822
ph. (808) 956-6199     fax (808) 956-5968
email: [log in to unmask]
http://magis.manoa.hawaii.edu/index.html
****************************************************

----- Original Message -----
From: Maps-L Moderator <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Friday, May 23, 2008 7:44 am
Subject: Locking and securing map cases
To: [log in to unmask]

 > -------- Original Message --------

>  1) We are planning on temporarily stacking the cases 5 high in a
>  non-public area to avoid moving the map cases off-site.  Of
>  course we
>  want to make sure that they are all properly secured.  To
>  do this we
>  need to get metal braces that look like a large squared off
>  C.  I'm not
>  sure what the proper term is for it.  We do not have many
>  of these and
>  need to get more before the move.  Does anyone have any
>  ideas on where
>  we might be able to find them?  We have talked to a number
>  of vendors,
>  including Mayline, and no one has something like it.
>
>  2) We are also going to be having some map cases in a public
>  area that
>  is not supervised and we want to lock them.  I have been
>  told that you
>  can either make or buy locks for map cases that consist of a
>  long metal
>  bar.  Does anyone have a vendor for this type of
>  lock?  Or plans for how
>  to make them?
>
>  If anyone has any advice or has gone through a recent move feel
>  free to
>  drip me a note.  I'm sure I will have more questions as the move
>  progresses.
>
>  Thanks in advance for any help!
>
>  ~Carol McAuliffe
>
>
>  Carol McAuliffe, Map Librarian
>  Map and Imagery Library, Spatial Information Services Unit
>  Government Documents Department,
>  George A. Smathers Libraries,
>  University of Florida
>  (352) 273-2828
>  [log in to unmask]