[PADG:634] Re: CD's and Security

[David Walls <david.walls@xxxxxxxx>]

Ian

We just recently researched all of the alternatives here (Yale) and decided 
there was no practical way to secure the media discs themselves through the 
application of stickers or tattletape.  The various cd/dvd disc overlay 
tapes and hub stickers all seem to have a host of problems; oozing adhesive 
and the unknown long-term effects of the adhesive on the disc itself.  More 
importantly, the overlays and disc hub security stickers add a considerable 
amount of weight to the disc.  Modern cd/dvd-rom discs spin between 5,400 
and 7,000 rpm.  Anything applied to the disc, unless applied perfectly 
every time, will make it wobble which will make it unreadable or damage the 
player.  We decided that the best course was to standardize the packaging 
that the various disc media comes in by putting each disc into a thin 
polypropylene disc case (we got ours from Gaylord) and then putting that 
disc case inside a clear plastic lockable shell case.  The shell cases are 
purchased from Checkpoint Security Systems.  The cds and dvds are shelved 
inside the locked shell cases in the stacks right alongside books.  The 
inside polypropylene case containing the disc has the call number on the 
spine which can easily be read through the clear outside shell case.  Our 
readers find the item on the shelf by the call number and bring the item to 
the regular circulation desk for checkout.  At the desk the outside shell 
is unlocked using a special device and stored in a box below the 
counter.  Since no special marking is applied to the outside shell case, 
each one is interchangeable.  The empty shells are then filled with the 
next cd/dvds that readers return and are locked and placed back on the 
shelves in the stacks.  The system has been in place here for about six 
months and seems to be working fine.  I can give you more details if you 
would like them.

David

At 11:04 AM 8/23/2005, you wrote:
> Hello (sorry for cross posting)
>
>   For some time now our library has been discussing security options for 
> CD's.  I have been avoiding recommending tattle tape, but I am also 
> having some trouble finding alternatives.  Our CD's and CD-ROM's are 
> often shelved in the open stacks and need some sort of protection.  Does 
> anyone have any suggestions?
>
>
> Thanks in advance,
>
> Ian Bogus
> NB Bindery/Preservation Coordinator
> Rutgers University Libraries


David E. Walls
Preservation Librarian
Sterling Memorial Library, Yale University
PO Box 208240 (130 Wall Street)
New Haven, CT 06520-8240
203.432.1715  (Fax) 203.432.9900