IS 26611978AI Search Enabled✦ AI Generated

mobile library van

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.

8Sections
108Clauses Indexed
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1978Edition
Planning Housing and pre-fabricated constructionCategory
Alternative search terms: IS 2661 PDF, IS 2661 pdf free download, IS 2661 free download pdf, IS2661 PDF, IS-2661 PDF, IS 2661 1978 PDF, IS 2661:1978 PDF, IS 2661-1978 PDF, IS 2661 (1978) PDF, IS 2661 1978 edition PDF, IS 2661 edition 1978 PDF

What This Standard Covers

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.

Who Uses This Standard

  • Library Authorities
  • Vehicle Body Manufacturers
  • Civil and Mechanical Engineers
  • Public Library Planners
  • Mobile Library Operators
  • Urban Transport Authorities
  • Facility Managers

Key Topics Covered

Vehicle dimensions and payload capacity
Interior layout and shelving design
Material specifications for shelves and fittings
Lighting and ventilation requirements
Electrical wiring and external power connections
Security features including anti-theft mirrors and shutters
Windows and water-proofing standards
Counters for book issuing and returning
Safety equipment such as fire extinguishers
Accessibility features including doors and steps
Environmental considerations for Indian climate
Weight and load distribution guidelines

Table of Contents

1Scope

IS 2661: Scope Overview

IS 2661 covers specifications for materials and construction related to vehicle bodies, particularly focusing on:

  • Materials:

    • Timber: Must conform to relevant IS standards (e.g., IS 2179-1962 for trailer timber) with a minimum density of 720 kg/m³.
    • Metals: Specifications for wrought aluminium/alloys, hot-rolled and cold-rolled carbon steel sheets, and phosphate treatments for corrosion protection.
  • Construction Requirements:

    • Provision of grab rails and two heavy steps with non-skid treads near entrances (Clause 7.4.1).

Key Points:

Material TypeRelevant IS CodeKey Specification
Timber (for body)IS 2179-1962Density ≥ 720 kg/m³
Wrought AluminiumIS for aluminium bars/rodsGeneral engineering purposes
Steel Sheets (Hot Rolled)IS for hot rolled carbon steelCorrosion protection required
Steel Sheets (Cold Rolled)IS for cold rolled carbon steelFor body panels

Summary Diagram:

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.

2Definitions

IS 2661 - Definitions & Key Specifications Summary

  • Timber for Construction:

    • Must conform to IS: 2179-1962 (Specification for timber for lorry bodies).
    • Minimum density: 720 kg/m³.
  • Materials:

    • Hot rolled carbon steel sheets & strips: As per relevant Indian Standards (third revision).
    • Cold rolled carbon steel sheets: As per relevant Indian Standards (second revision).
    • Phosphate treatment for corrosion protection on iron and steel.
    • Aluminium and aluminium alloys (bars, rods, sheets, strips) per IS standards (second revision).
  • Safety Features:

    • Grab rails and two heavy steps with non-skid treads near entrance (Clause 7.4.1).

Important Notes:

MaterialIS Code ReferenceKey Requirement
TimberIS: 2179-1962Density ≥ 720 kg/m³
Hot Rolled SteelRelevant IS (3rd revision)Standard specification
Cold Rolled SteelRelevant IS (2nd revision)Standard specification
AluminiumRelevant IS (2nd revision)For general engineering purposes

This ensures materials meet structural integrity and safety for vehicle body construction under IS 2661.

3General Requirements

IS 2661: General Requirements - Key Points

  • Grab Rails & Steps (Clause 7.4.1):

    • Provide necessary grab rails near the entrance.
    • Include two heavy steps in the step-well with non-skid treads for safety.
  • Materials (Clause 6.2 & 6.4):

    • Timber: Minimum density 720 kg/m³, conforming to IS 2179-1962 for trailers.
    • Aluminium: Use wrought aluminium/alloys per relevant IS specifications (second revision).
    • Steel: Hot-rolled and cold-rolled carbon steel sheets must comply with respective IS standards.
    • Corrosion Protection: Apply phosphate treatment as per IS for iron and steel.

Summary Table of Material Specifications

MaterialIS Code ReferenceKey Specification
TimberIS 2179-1962Density ≥ 720 kg/m³, suitable for lorry bodies
AluminiumRelevant 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 ProtectionPhosphate Treatment ISProtection 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.

4General Layout and Planning

IS 2661: General Layout and Planning for Mobile Libraries

Key Specifications:

  • Objective: Maximize book storage while ensuring accessibility and multi-language collection (Clause 3.2).
  • Dimensions & Layout: Basic dimensional requirements for interiors to optimize space (Clause 1.1).
  • Construction Materials: Must comply with relevant IS standards (Clause 6.4).
  • Typical Layout: Refer to Fig. 1 (Clause 4.1) for standard interior arrangement.

General Layout Guidelines:

  • Shelving: Use adjustable, compact shelves to maximize book capacity.
  • Aisle Width: Minimum 600 mm for comfortable movement.
  • Storage Capacity: Design shelves to hold books in multiple languages, ensuring clear labeling.
  • Seating/Reading Area: Allocate minimal space for reader comfort without compromising storage.

Example Formula for Book Capacity Estimation:

[ \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{)}} ]

  • Typical average book volume ≈ 0.002 m³ (20 cm × 13 cm × 7.5 cm).

Summary Table: Typical Dimensions

ComponentDimension (mm)Notes
Aisle Width600Minimum for movement
Shelf Depth250 - 300To accommodate book sizes
Shelf Height (per tier)300 - 350Adjustable for book sizes
Total Interior Height~2000To 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.

5Dimensions and Weight

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):

    • Density of timber ( \geq 720 \text{ kg/m}^3 )
    • Timber for trailer per IS: 2179-1962 (Timber for lorry bodies)
    • Use timber conforming to relevant IS standards for durability and strength.
  • Additional Specs:

    • Grab rails and two heavy steps with non-skid treads near entrance (Clause 7.4.1)
    • Steel and aluminium materials must conform to respective IS standards for sheets, strips, and bars.

Summary Table

ParameterValue/Standard
Payload Weight(\geq n + 500) kg
Internal Length(\leq 6.5) m
Timber Density(\geq 720) kg/m³
Timber StandardIS: 2179-1962
Steel & AluminiumRelevant IS standards
Safety FeaturesGrab 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]
6Materials

IS 2661: Key Material Specifications

  • Timber (Clause 6.2):

    • Density ≥ 720 kg/m³
    • Must conform to IS: 2179-1962 (timber for lorry bodies)
    • Relevant IS standards for steel sheets and corrosion protection apply where steel is used.
  • Aluminium (Clause 6.3):

    • Suitable grades as per IS: 733-1975 (wrought aluminium bars, rods, sections)
    • Or IS: 737-1974 (wrought aluminium alloys, sheets, strip)
  • Other Materials (Clause 6.4):

    • Must comply with relevant Indian Standards if available.

Summary Table of Materials

MaterialIS Standard(s)Key Requirement
TimberIS 2179-1962Density ≥ 720 kg/m³
AluminiumIS 733-1975, IS 737-1974Suitable grades for engineering
SteelVarious IS standardsHot/cold rolled sheets, corrosion protection

Notes on Construction (Clause 7.4.1)

  • Provide grab rails and two heavy steps with non-skid treads near entrances.
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.

7Design and Constructional Aspects

IS 2661: Design and Constructional Aspects - Key Points

Materials:

  • Timber: Density ≥ 720 kg/m³; must conform to IS:2179-1962 for trailer construction.
  • Steel: Use hot rolled carbon steel sheets/strips (3rd revision) or cold rolled carbon steel sheets (2nd revision).
  • Aluminium: Wrought aluminium and alloys as per relevant IS specifications for engineering purposes.
  • Corrosion Protection: Phosphate treatment as per IS standards.

Design Features (Clause 7.4.1):

  • Provide grab rails and two heavy steps with non-skid treads near the entrance step-well for safety.

Fire Safety (Clause 8.7):

  • Fit a 1-litre CO₂ fire extinguisher in the driver’s cabin conforming to IS:2878-1976.

Quick Reference Table: Timber Specifications

PropertyRequirementIS Reference
Density≥ 720 kg/m³IS:2179-1962
UseBody and trailerIS:2179-1962

Summary Diagram of Constructional Elements

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.

8Service Features

IS 2661: Service Features for Mobile Library Vans

Key Specifications (Clause 8)

  • Weather Protection (8.1):

    • Unit must insulate against external heat to maintain comfortable interior temperature.
    • Top and sides must be absolutely water-tight.
    • Rainwater should drain off to the rear via side channels without affecting entrance.
    • All openable parts (windows, doors) must be water-tight and dust-proof when closed.
  • Windows (7.5.1):

    • Windows must be sufficiently waterproof to withstand strong monsoon showers when closed.
  • Fire Safety (8.7):

    • A 1-litre CO₂ fire extinguisher conforming to IS:2878-1976 must be fitted in the driver’s cabin.

Summary Table of Service Features

FeatureRequirementReference Clause
Heat InsulationMaintain comfortable interior temp.8.1 (a)
Water-tight ConstructionTop, sides, openable parts sealed8.1 (b), (c)
Rainwater DrainageChannel along sides, flow to rear8.1 (b)
Window WaterproofingWithstand strong monsoon showers7.5.1
Fire Extinguisher1-litre CO₂ type, IS:2878-19768.7

Notes:

  • Ensure all seals and joints are tested for water-tightness.
  • Use materials and construction methods that comply with IS standards for durability and safety.
  • Fire extinguisher placement should be easily accessible in the driver's cabin.
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]

Popular Questions About IS 2661

?What are the maximum allowable dimensions for a mobile library van under IS 2661?

IS 2661 does not explicitly specify maximum allowable dimensions for mobile library vans. Instead:

  • The vehicle dimensions must comply with the road transport authorities' regulations of the respective states (Clause 0.4).
  • The standard focuses on internal layout, shelving, capacity, and construction features rather than overall size.
  • Mobile library vans are typically four-wheeled power-driven vehicles or trailers (Clause 2.1).

Practical Guidance:

  • Follow state motor vehicle acts for maximum width, height, and length (usually around):
    • Width: 2.5 m max
    • Height: 4 m max
    • Length: 12 m max (for buses/trailers)
  • Design internal shelving and layout per IS 2661 for user convenience and safety.
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Summary: Use IS 2661 for internal design; adhere to local transport laws for maximum vehicle size.

?Which materials are recommended for shelves and fittings in the mobile library van?

According to IS 2661, the recommended materials and specifications for shelves and fittings in a mobile library van are:

  • Shelf Material: Fixed shelves made of steel sheets or aluminium sheets (Clause 7.1).
  • Shelf Dimensions:
    • Minimum depth: 220 mm
    • Clearance between shelves: 270 mm
  • Shelf Design:
    • Backward incline of 15° to prevent books from falling during turns.
    • Back vertical plate at 90° to the shelf base.
  • Vertical Supports: Spaced at 0.77 m intervals, running full height of the van (Clause 4.8).
  • Additional Features: Removable lockable wire net shutters at the fore end of shelves for security and easy maintenance (Clause 8.5).

This ensures durability, safety, and usability suited to Indian climatic conditions and mobile use.

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?How does the standard address ventilation and lighting inside the van?

IS 2661 addresses ventilation and lighting inside the van as follows:

Ventilation (Clause 7.5)

  • Windows: Adequate glazed windows on sides and rear.
  • Design: Half fixed glass pane + half sliding pane for air intake.
  • Protection: Outside covered with heavy wire gauze (movable for cleaning) to prevent book theft.
  • This ensures natural ventilation while maintaining security.

Lighting (Clause 8.2 & 8.4)

  • Power Source: No generator inside; lights and fans run on city electric supply.
  • Provision: Van must carry a cable for external 220V supply connection.
  • Wiring: Separate 220V wiring system with fuse board for external power.
  • This setup avoids cost and noise of onboard generators while ensuring adequate lighting.

Weather Protection (Clause 8.1)

  • Insulation against heat, water-tight top & sides, and water drainage to rear maintain comfortable interior conditions.
Loading diagram...

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.

?What security features are specified to prevent theft of books?

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.

    • These shutters segregate the shelves.
    • When locked, they prevent unauthorized access to the books.
    • They also allow books to remain in place during vehicle maintenance without removal.
  • Shelf Design (Clause 7.1) indirectly aids security:

    • Shelves have a 15° backward incline to prevent books from falling out.
    • The fixed type steel or aluminum shelves enhance structural security.

Summary:

  • Primary theft prevention: Lockable wire net shutters on shelves.
  • Secondary: Fixed, inclined shelves to keep books secure physically.
Loading diagram...

This ensures books remain secure during transit and maintenance.

?How should the electrical wiring and external power connections be installed?

Electrical Wiring & External Power Connections as per IS 2661

  • Dual Wiring System:

    • Normal vehicle wiring powered by the vehicle battery for customary points.
    • A separate 220 V wiring system fed from an external source.
  • 220 V Wiring Details (Clause 8.4 & 8.4.1):

    • Use a standard type wiring with a fuse and connection board on the vehicle's end panel.
    • Provide a 10 m long waterproof, three-core rubber-sheathed cable permanently connected to the main switch.
    • The cable’s other end must have a suitable plug for external power connection.
    • Hooks inside the switchboard to coil the cable when not in use.
    • Ensure a suitable earthing arrangement for safety.
  • Power Source (Clause 8.2):

    • Lights and fans run on city electric supply, avoiding onboard generators.
    • External supply can be from local residents or authorized electric supply undertakings.
  • Exterior Lighting (Clause 8.2.1):

    • Must comply with traffic authority and state laws.
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