----------------------------Original message---------------------------- Earthquake preparedness Recently I learned that my University is initiating work in the Map Library for earthquake preparedness. We have discussed a number of items but I am particularly concerned about the map cases. The map cases will have the following changes made. 1) a short bar will be attached to the left side of each 5-drawer unit to keep the drawers from opening in an earthquake - the bar will slide upward at a 45 degree angle for access. 2) each 5-drawer unit will be connected within a stack on the inside four corners of each unit 3) each cap and base will be connected to the 5-drawer stack 4) each 5-drawer stack will be independent and not attached to adjacent stacks. We are still discussing whether each stack of 5-drawer units should be bolted to the floor. The negative side to bolting seems to be 1) eliminates flexibility in moving collections 2) would trash new carpet installed only one year ago. I have several questions and would appreciate any input. What kind of earthquake preparedness has been done in your map collection? Do you have an opinion about whether the 5-drawer units should be bolted to the floor? Any words of wisdom? Thanking you in advance, Janet Collins, Map Librarian Western Washington University [log in to unmask]