IS 2661:1978 specifies the design, construction, and service requirements for mobile library vans used in India. It focuses on the vehicle body layout, shelving, lighting, ventilation, and security features to ensure efficient mobile library operations under Indian conditions. This standard is essential for library authorities and vehicle manufacturers involved in creating mobile library units that maximize book storage, accessibility, and user comfort.
Overview
IS 2661:1978 specifies the design, construction, and service requirements for mobile library vans used in India. It focuses on the vehicle body layout, shelving, lighting, ventilation, and security features to ensure efficient mobile library operations under Indian conditions. This standard is essential for library authorities and vehicle manufacturers involved in creating mobile library units that maximize book storage, accessibility, and user comfort.
Audience
Contents
Structure
IS 2661: Scope Overview
IS 2661 covers specifications for materials and construction related to vehicle bodies, particularly focusing on:
Materials:
Construction Requirements:
| Material Type | Relevant IS Code | Key Specification |
|---|---|---|
| Timber (for body) | IS 2179-1962 | Density ≥ 720 kg/m³ |
| Wrought Aluminium | IS for aluminium bars/rods | General engineering purposes |
| Steel Sheets (Hot Rolled) | IS for hot rolled carbon steel | Corrosion protection required |
| Steel Sheets (Cold Rolled) | IS for cold rolled carbon steel | For body panels |
graph TD
A[IS 2661 Scope] --> B[Materials]
B --> C[Timber (IS 2179-1962, density ≥ 720 kg/m³)]
B --> D[Aluminium (Wrought bars, rods, sheets)]
B --> E[Steel (Hot & Cold Rolled Sheets)]
A --> F[Construction]
F --> G[Grab Rails & Heavy Steps with Non-Skid Treads]
This standard ensures durability, safety, and corrosion resistance in vehicle body construction.
IS 2661 - Definitions & Key Specifications Summary
Timber for Construction:
Materials:
Safety Features:
| Material | IS Code Reference | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Timber | IS: 2179-1962 | Density ≥ 720 kg/m³ |
| Hot Rolled Steel | Relevant IS (3rd revision) | Standard specification |
| Cold Rolled Steel | Relevant IS (2nd revision) | Standard specification |
| Aluminium | Relevant IS (2nd revision) | For general engineering purposes |
This ensures materials meet structural integrity and safety for vehicle body construction under IS 2661.
IS 2661: General Requirements - Key Points
Grab Rails & Steps (Clause 7.4.1):
Materials (Clause 6.2 & 6.4):
| Material | IS Code Reference | Key Specification |
|---|---|---|
| Timber | IS 2179-1962 | Density ≥ 720 kg/m³, suitable for lorry bodies |
| Aluminium | Relevant wrought aluminium IS (2nd revision) | For general engineering purposes |
| Steel (Hot Rolled) | Hot Rolled Carbon Steel IS (3rd revision) | Sheet and strip specifications |
| Steel (Cold Rolled) | Cold Rolled Carbon Steel IS (2nd revision) | Sheet specifications |
| Corrosion Protection | Phosphate Treatment IS | Protection against corrosion |
flowchart LR
A[Entrance] --> B[Grab Rails]
A --> C[Two Heavy Steps]
C --> D[Non-Skid Treads]
E[Materials] --> F[Timber (IS 2179)]
E --> G[Aluminium (Wrought IS)]
E --> H[Steel (Hot & Cold Rolled IS)]
E --> I[Phosphate Treatment]
This ensures safety, durability, and compliance with IS 2661 general requirements.
IS 2661: General Layout and Planning for Mobile Libraries
[ \text{Total Books} = \frac{\text{Shelf Length (m)} \times \text{Shelf Height (m)} \times \text{Shelf Depth (m)}}{\text{Average Book Volume (m}^3\text{)}} ]
| Component | Dimension (mm) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aisle Width | 600 | Minimum for movement |
| Shelf Depth | 250 - 300 | To accommodate book sizes |
| Shelf Height (per tier) | 300 - 350 | Adjustable for book sizes |
| Total Interior Height | ~2000 | To maximize vertical storage |
flowchart LR
A[Mobile Library Interior] --> B[Shelving Units]
A --> C[Aisle Space]
A --> D[Reading/Service Area]
B --> E[Multi-language Books]
B --> F[Compact Adjustable Shelves]
C --> G[Min 600 mm Width]
This layout ensures maximum book capacity with user-friendly access, aligning with IS 2661 guidelines.
IS 2661 Key Specifications: Dimensions and Weight
Payload Weight (Clause 5.4):
[
\text{Payload} \geq (n + 500) \text{ kg}
]
where n = number of books.
Internal Length (Clause 5.3):
[
\text{Internal length} \leq 6.5 \text{ m}
]
Note: Consider bridge heights, road widths, and local transport rules when finalizing overall dimensions.
Timber Specifications (Clause 6.2):
Additional Specs:
| Parameter | Value/Standard |
|---|---|
| Payload Weight | (\geq n + 500) kg |
| Internal Length | (\leq 6.5) m |
| Timber Density | (\geq 720) kg/m³ |
| Timber Standard | IS: 2179-1962 |
| Steel & Aluminium | Relevant IS standards |
| Safety Features | Grab rails, heavy steps (non-skid) |
flowchart LR
A[Books (n)] --> B[Calculate Payload: n + 500 kg]
B --> C[Design Unit with Length ≤ 6.5 m]
C --> D[Select Timber (Density ≥ 720 kg/m³)]
D --> E[Conform to IS: 2179-1962]
E --> F[Add Safety Features: Grab Rails & Steps]
IS 2661: Key Material Specifications
Timber (Clause 6.2):
Aluminium (Clause 6.3):
Other Materials (Clause 6.4):
| Material | IS Standard(s) | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Timber | IS 2179-1962 | Density ≥ 720 kg/m³ |
| Aluminium | IS 733-1975, IS 737-1974 | Suitable grades for engineering |
| Steel | Various IS standards | Hot/cold rolled sheets, corrosion protection |
flowchart TD
A[Materials] --> B[Timber]
A --> C[Aluminium]
A --> D[Steel & Others]
B --> E[IS 2179-1962]
B --> F[Density ≥ 720 kg/m³]
C --> G[IS 733-1975]
C --> H[IS 737-1974]
D --> I[Relevant IS standards]
This ensures compliance with IS 2661 for material quality and safety.
IS 2661: Design and Constructional Aspects - Key Points
| Property | Requirement | IS Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Density | ≥ 720 kg/m³ | IS:2179-1962 |
| Use | Body and trailer | IS:2179-1962 |
graph TD
A[Mobile Library Van Body] --> B[Timber (Density ≥ 720 kg/m³)]
A --> C[Steel Sheets/Strips]
A --> D[Aluminium Sections]
A --> E[Corrosion Protection (Phosphate Treatment)]
A --> F[Safety Features]
F --> G[Grab Rails]
F --> H[Heavy Non-Skid Steps]
A --> I[Fire Safety]
I --> J[1-litre CO₂ Fire Extinguisher (IS:2878)]
For detailed design, consult the full IS 2661:1978 document and referenced IS codes for materials and safety fittings.
IS 2661: Service Features for Mobile Library Vans
Weather Protection (8.1):
Windows (7.5.1):
Fire Safety (8.7):
| Feature | Requirement | Reference Clause |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Insulation | Maintain comfortable interior temp. | 8.1 (a) |
| Water-tight Construction | Top, sides, openable parts sealed | 8.1 (b), (c) |
| Rainwater Drainage | Channel along sides, flow to rear | 8.1 (b) |
| Window Waterproofing | Withstand strong monsoon showers | 7.5.1 |
| Fire Extinguisher | 1-litre CO₂ type, IS:2878-1976 | 8.7 |
flowchart LR
A[Mobile Library Van] --> B[Heat Insulation]
A --> C[Water-tight Top & Sides]
A --> D[Water-tight Openable Parts]
A --> E[Rainwater Drainage Channel]
A --> F[1L CO₂ Fire Extinguisher]
B --> G[Comfortable Interior Temp]
C --> H[Prevents Water Ingress]
D --> I[Windows & Doors Sealed]
E --> J[Rainwater Flows to Rear]
F --> K[Driver's Cabin Safety]
Frequently Asked
IS 2661 does not explicitly specify maximum allowable dimensions for mobile library vans. Instead:
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Summary: Use IS 2661 for internal design; adhere to local transport laws for maximum vehicle size.
According to IS 2661, the recommended materials and specifications for shelves and fittings in a mobile library van are:
This ensures durability, safety, and usability suited to Indian climatic conditions and mobile use.
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IS 2661 addresses ventilation and lighting inside the van as follows:
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Summary: IS 2661 ensures natural ventilation through sliding windows with gauze, and lighting via external electric supply connected through dedicated wiring, maintaining comfort and security inside the van.
IS 2661: Security Features to Prevent Theft of Books
Based on the relevant clauses:
Clause 8.5 specifies two removable and lockable wire net wall-to-shelf shutters at the fore end of the shelves.
Shelf Design (Clause 7.1) indirectly aids security:
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This ensures books remain secure during transit and maintenance.
Electrical Wiring & External Power Connections as per IS 2661
Dual Wiring System:
220 V Wiring Details (Clause 8.4 & 8.4.1):
Power Source (Clause 8.2):
Exterior Lighting (Clause 8.2.1):
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