You're concerned about library security. How can you protect your collection?
Library security is not only about preventing theft, vandalism, or damage to your collection, but also about ensuring the safety and comfort of your staff and patrons. In this article, we will explore some of the best practices and options for protecting your library assets and creating a secure environment.
Before you invest in any security system or measure, you need to identify and prioritize the potential threats and vulnerabilities that your library faces. For example, you may want to consider the location, size, layout, hours, and usage of your library, as well as the value, condition, and accessibility of your collection. You can conduct a security audit or consult with a professional to assess your risks and recommend solutions.
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Michelle Mueller, MSLIS
Adult Services Librarian with a Passion for Sharing Resources
While being good stewards of public funds it important, I don't think focusing on loss is a priority for most public libraries.
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Meredith Eliassen
Associate Librarian, Lecturer/Special Collections Librarian at San Francisco State University
Assessing security risks starts with architectural design and how you interface with the external location. Examine exits not only for safety and foot traffic, but also in positioning of collections, equipment, staff, maintenance, and library users. Layer these elements valuing them equally. Many risks can be mitigated with design and created a safe space for positive user experiences. Your library may be in a tough area but when you create a safe space that the community engages with, they are stakeholders (with a sense of pride and ownership) and less likely to steal what they can freely use or borrow. I firmly believe respecting library users is the best deterrent to stealing and vandalism.
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Beatriz Hernando Robledo
Librarian
Es necesario tener controladas las salidas y entrada de la biblioteca. Se puede trabajar con personal de seguridad que realice rondas e incluso contar con la figura de un conserje para evitar que se vayan con algún documento.
When considering your budget, needs, and preferences, you have a variety of security systems and devices to choose from for monitoring, deterring, or preventing unauthorized access or removal of library materials. CCTV cameras can provide visual surveillance and evidence of any incidents or suspicious activities in your library. Alarms can alert you or the authorities of any breaches or intrusions in your library. RFID tags are small electronic chips that can be attached to library items and scanned by RFID readers to track, inventory, and locate collections. Security gates are barriers that can block or control the entry or exit of people or items in your library, which can be integrated with RFID or other systems to detect and stop any unauthorized removals.
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Fernanda Costa
Especialista em Gestão Estratégica da Informação, com habilidades em Organização, Digitalização e Gestão Eletrônica de Documentos (GED), Gestão de Bibliotecas Universitárias.
Garantir a segurança da coleção de uma biblioteca é uma tarefa complexa que requer uma abordagem multifacetada. Na biblioteca que atuamos enfrentamos esse desafio ao desenvolver um projeto para criação de um sistema integrado de segurança. Primeiramente, focamos na segurança física, com instalação câmeras de vigilância e sistemas de alarme, além de implementar controles de acesso para restringir a entrada em áreas críticas.
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Denise Vieira Camacho
| UX Design | Librarian | Design Thinking
Após avaliação de risco, ambiente da biblioteca, soluções disponíveis no mercado para esse fim, devemos escolher as melhores soluções para a sua biblioteca. As mais comuns são: - Sistema anti-furto na saída da biblioteca - Câmeras de segurança - Educação dos usuários
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Beatriz Hernando Robledo
Librarian
Desde mi experiencia en bibliotecas públicas se emplea un sistema anithurto, basado en una tira de doble cara, para los libros. Esta tira se magnetiza o desmagnetiza en el momento del préstamo y la devolución. Junto con el arco de seguridad permite darse cuenta de que el usuario se lleva un documento al pitar, ya que no habrá sido desmagnetizado. Para controlar otro tipo de material es mejor asegurarse de que el contenido (DVDs o música) no está dentro de las cajas de libre acceso.
Your staff are your first line of defense against library security threats. They can help you enforce your policies, report any problems, and respond to any emergencies. Therefore, you should train them on how to use and maintain your security system, how to handle and protect your collection, how to deal with difficult or disruptive patrons, and how to follow your emergency procedures.
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Dr. Muhammed Usman (PhD, CFCIPD, PFHEA, CMBE, SMIEEE)
Founder and CEO "The Case HQ" | Strategist and Thought Leader | Associate Professor | Accreditation Consultant | Scientific Patents | CIPD Level 7 SHRD | OTHM Level 8 SM&LP | Digital Learning Expert
Training your staff is a crucial aspect of bolstering library security measures. Your staff members serve as the initial safeguard against potential security threats, playing a pivotal role in policy enforcement, issue reporting, and emergency response. It's essential to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively utilize and uphold your security system, safeguard the library's collection, address challenging or disruptive patrons professionally, and adhere to established emergency protocols. Through comprehensive training, your staff can become a proactive and vigilant team, enhancing the overall security and safety of your library environment.
Your patrons are your partners in preserving and safeguarding your library collection. They can help you by respecting your rules, reporting any issues, and cooperating with your staff. Therefore, you should educate them on how to use and care for your library materials, how to check out and return them properly, and how to avoid any fines or penalties.
Your library security is not a one-time project, but an ongoing process. You should review and update your security system and measures regularly to ensure that they are effective, efficient, and reliable. You should also evaluate your risks and needs periodically to see if you need to make any changes or improvements.
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