This is interesting ... I'm forwarding from MapHist

-------- Original Message --------
Subject:        Security in US archives and libraries
Date:   Wed, 27 Feb 2008 15:05:06 -0000
From:   Tony Campbell <[log in to unmask]>
Reply-To:
To:


Not specifically about maps but the concerns raised are very relevant for
cartographic holdings in public institutions.

<
http://timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=666322&category=REGIONOTHER&BCCode=&newsdate=2/24/2008&TextPage=1 >

'Treasure-troves at risk. Thefts cost billions as experts work to step up
security of artifacts' (Paul Grondahl, in the [Albany] Times-Union, 24
February 2008)

A round-up of security concerns affecting US archives and libraries,
prompted by the actions of Daniel Lorello, on the staff of the New York
State Archives.

'Millions of valuable historical documents at local historical societies,
state libraries and the National Archives are vulnerable to being stolen by
insiders and outsiders. The reasons are many: the sheer volume; incomplete
inventories; the cost of security; the value of the artifacts amid a growing
demand from collectors; and the fact the documents are routinely retrieved
by staffers for use by researchers in public reading rooms...'
'The FBI estimates $6 billion is lost annually in crimes against cultural
institutions worldwide. Strassberg advocates spending more on security and
tougher sentences for the thieves ... Mandatory bag inspections of State
Library and Archives employees as they leave work have been discussed over
the years, but have not been put in place because of concerns raised by
unions and the added cost.' As one librarian pointed out: "We're always
trying to balance access and security".

[The full text also available via ExLibris  <
http://palimpsest.stanford.edu/byform/mailing-lists/exlibris/2008/02/msg00265.html
>.]

Tony Campbell

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** extract from: 'Theft News'
http://www.maphistory.info/theftnews.html