This standard outlines the essential design, construction, and operational criteria for mobile library vans in India. It emphasizes vehicle body configuration, shelving systems, ventilation, lighting, and security to ensure effective library services on the move, tailored to Indian environmental and usage conditions.
Overview
This standard outlines the essential design, construction, and operational criteria for mobile library vans in India. It emphasizes vehicle body configuration, shelving systems, ventilation, lighting, and security to ensure effective library services on the move, tailored to Indian environmental and usage conditions.
Audience
Contents
Structure
The standard IS 2661 defines the requirements for materials and construction relevant to mobile library van bodies. It specifies timber quality, mandating a minimum density of 720 kg/m³ as per IS 2179-1962 for trailer timber. Metal components must comply with standards for wrought aluminium/alloys, hot and cold rolled carbon steel sheets, with phosphate treatments to resist corrosion. Construction includes provision for grab rails and dual robust steps with slip-resistant surfaces near vehicle entrances, enhancing safety and usability.
Key definitions include timber for bodywork, which must meet IS 2179-1962 standards with a minimum density of 720 kg/m³. Hot and cold rolled carbon steel sheets should conform to their respective Indian Standard revisions. Aluminium and its alloys used for structural elements must comply with relevant IS codes. Safety features such as grab rails and non-slip steps are mandated to ensure secure ingress and egress.
General design requirements include the installation of grab rails and two heavy-duty, non-skid steps near the entrance for user safety. Material specifications cover timber, aluminium, and steel, all conforming to the relevant Indian Standards. Corrosion resistance is achieved through phosphate treatments on iron and steel components. These provisions collectively guarantee durability, safety, and compliance with IS 2661.
The layout aims to maximize book storage capacity while ensuring easy accessibility and accommodating multilingual collections. Interior dimensions are optimized, with shelving designed to be adjustable and compact. Minimum aisle width is specified at 600 mm for comfortable movement. Shelving units are engineered to hold books securely with clear labeling, and a small seating or reading space is allocated without compromising storage volume.
Payload capacity must be at least the number of books plus 500 kilograms. Internal length should not exceed 6.5 meters, considering road and bridge clearances. Timber used must have a density of no less than 720 kg/m³, conforming to IS 2179-1962. Grab rails and heavy, slip-resistant steps are required near entrances. Steel and aluminium materials must follow respective IS standards.
Timber employed in construction must meet IS 2179-1962 with a density threshold of 720 kg/m³. Aluminium grades for bars, rods, sheets, and strips should align with IS 733-1975 and IS 737-1974. Steel components require adherence to applicable IS standards for hot and cold rolled sheets, including corrosion protection through phosphate treatments. Safety features such as grab rails and heavy-duty steps with non-slip treads are mandatory.
Construction requires timber with a minimum density of 720 kg/m³ per IS 2179-1962. Steel sheets used should be hot or cold rolled according to their respective IS revisions. Aluminium and its alloys must satisfy relevant IS engineering standards. Corrosion protection through phosphate treatment is essential. Safety provisions include grab rails and two heavy, non-skid steps at the entrance. Fire safety is ensured by installing a 1-litre CO2 fire extinguisher in the driver's compartment, conforming to IS 2878-1976.
The unit must provide insulation against heat to maintain a comfortable interior environment, with absolutely water-tight top and side panels. Rainwater drainage is facilitated via side channels directing water to the rear, avoiding entry points. All openings, such as windows and doors, must be sealed to be water- and dust-proof. Windows should withstand heavy monsoon rains when closed. A 1-litre CO2 fire extinguisher per IS 2878-1976 is to be installed in the driver’s cabin for fire safety.
Frequently Asked
IS 2661 does not explicitly define maximum permissible vehicle dimensions. Instead, it requires adherence to local road transport regulations for dimensions such as width, height, and length. Typically, dimensions comply with state motor vehicle regulations, with approximate maxima being 2.5 meters in width, 4 meters in height, and 12 meters in length for buses or trailers. The standard concentrates on internal design and shelving layout to enhance usability and safety.
The standard recommends using fixed shelves fabricated from steel or aluminium sheets. Shelves should have a minimum depth of 220 mm and a clearance height of 270 mm between tiers. A backward incline of 15° is prescribed to prevent books from sliding out during transit. Vertical supports should be spaced at intervals of 0.77 meters and extend the full height of the van. Additionally, lockable and removable wire net shutters are required at the shelf fronts for security and maintenance convenience.
Ventilation is provided through adequately sized glazed windows equipped with half fixed and half sliding panes to allow airflow, protected externally by heavy wire gauze that can be moved for cleaning, preventing book theft. Lighting and fans operate on an external 220V electric supply, with the van equipped with a cable and dedicated wiring system to connect to city power, eliminating the need for onboard generators. The design ensures a comfortable interior through proper insulation, water-tight construction, and effective rainwater drainage.
IS 2661 mandates the installation of two removable and lockable wire net shutters positioned at the front ends of shelving units. These shutters compartmentalize the shelves and, when locked, restrict unauthorized access to the books. The shelves themselves are fixed, inclined backwards by 15°, and constructed from steel or aluminium, which helps keep books securely in place during travel and maintenance.
The electrical system must include two wiring circuits: a standard vehicle wiring powered by the vehicle battery for usual electrical points, and a separate 220V wiring system supplied externally. The 220V system requires a fuse and connection board, a permanently attached 10-meter waterproof, three-core rubber-sheathed cable with a suitable plug for connecting to external power. Cable storage hooks should be provided within the switchboard. Proper earthing arrangements are essential for safety. Lighting and fans run on this external power source, and exterior lighting must comply with traffic and state regulations.
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