-------- Original Message -------- Subject: FW: Map thefts at Western Washington University Date: Thu, 10 Jan 2008 12:50:20 -0800 From: Janet Collins <[log in to unmask]> To: <[log in to unmask]>, <[log in to unmask]> Apologies for cross-posting ______________________________________________ *From: * Robert Lopresti *Sent: * Thursday, January 10, 2008 12:46 PM *To: * *Subject: * Map theft The following message is going out today to email lists for map and government information librarians. I have some news about map thefts. You may remember that in February 2006 Wilson Library at Western Washington University (NOT the Huxley College Map Library, which is also at WWU) suffered a serious theft. We eventually determined that at least 648 pages were stolen from 102 volumes. Seventy-five percent of them were maps. All but two of the books were from the Congressional Serial Set. Since then, we have been working to identify the thief or thieves. In part due to our efforts and those of several people in the map librarian community, on December 12 the Department of Homeland Security (ICE)and Great Falls, Montana police executed a search warrant on the property of James Brubaker, who sold maps, Indian artifacts, and other material on ebay under the handle Montanasilver. To the best of my knowledge, Brubaker has not been arrested, however his ebay store has been closed down and he is no longer a registered user there. I have heard the authorities confiscated thousands of plates and maps, hundreds of books, and many Indian artifacts. I expect we will be hearing more in months to come in the form of federal indictments. When we get a photo of Brubaker we will be glad to distribute it. We hope that the Librarian and Rare Book and Map Dealer communities can work together to determine processes and procedures to promptly implement if (or sadly when) theft occurs again. Rob Lopresti Government Information Librarian, WL Liaison for Huxley College Western Washington University 360-650-3342 [log in to unmask]