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 'Millions of valuable historical documents at local historical societies, state libraries and the National Archives are vulnerable to being stolen by insiders and outsiders.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 [log in to unmask] ** extract from: 'Theft News' http://www.maphistory.info/theftnews.html