[PADG:1248] Re: Protecting collections from accidental water leaks

["Patricia E. Selinger" <patricia.selinger@xxxxxxx>]

They are called "canopy tops" and are sold by all distributors of steel 
shelving.  Anyone in shelving sales should be able to tell you about 
them.  (If they can't, hang up!)
For an example, see 
http://www.gaylordmart.com/listing.asp?catid=116347&sid=B59BE7A43FD6438F9CA544E75D383D&level=2&L0=Shelving%20and%20Bookcases&L1=Shelving-%20Steel&L2=Canopy+Tops.
I've seen several installations using canopy tops, notably the Library 
of Virginia and Virginia Historical Society.  At VCU, we had them 
installed in our off-site compact shelving.  Let me know if you'd like 
me to send you a picture.  The top is affixed to the highest part of the 
upright.  Stated another way, it is above the highest shelf.  Typical 
shelving is 90" high (7.5 feet) so it shouldn't interfere with patrons 
pulling materials from the top shelves.  Sprinkler systems will be 
deflected from showering directly on top of books below.  Instead the 
water will flow between and over the shelving.  I would consider it a 
good investment.


Patricia Palmer Selinger
Head, Preservation Department
Virginia Commonwealth University Libraries

patricia.selinger@xxxxxxx
(ph)   804.828.1096
(fax)  804.828.0151




Carol Fink wrote:
> Some years ago, I remember hearing (at a workshop) about a hood that
> could be attached to the top of stacks to deflect water from dripping
> directly onto books. I've searched high and low but can not find an
> illustration, or even a web doc or two, that even mentions this hood.
> Has anyone heard of these hoods or can recommend what form of protection
> to use - other than a plastic drape - for situations like this?
>
> Apparently there was some reluctance on the part of the local fire
> marshal to approve an attachment like this.  Either it could gouge
> patrons reaching up to the top shelf and/or prevent the fire suppression
> system from doing its job. 
>
> Thanks in advance for any suggestions/advice.
> Carol Fink
> Library of Michigan
> Lansing
> cfink2@xxxxxxxxxxxx
>