NCJ Number
58057
Journal
LIBRARY SECURITY NEWSLETTER Volume: 2 Issue: 2 Dated: (SUMMER 1978) Pages: 1-6
Date Published
1978
Length
6 pages
Annotation
THE PROBLEM OF SECURITY IN LIBRARIES AND THE ROLE OF SECURITY GUARDS ARE EXPLORED, WITH ATTENTION GIVEN TO GUARD ASSISTING SYSTEMS AND PLANNING FOR GUARD SERVICE.
Abstract
IN ADDRESSING THE PROBLEM OF SECURITY IN LIBRARIES, IT IS FIRST NECESSARY TO DETERMINE THE PRIMARY FUNCTION OF GUARDS. IF PROPERLY UTILIZED, GUARDS CAN SERVE IN THE ROLE OF PREVENTION AND DETECTION AS OPPOSED TO REACTION. FUNCTIONS OF GUARDS INCLUDE ACCESS CONTROL, CONTROL OVER THE REMOVAL OF LIBRARY ITEMS, FIRE WATCH, CROWD CONTROL, INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE, INSPECTION OF SAFETY AND FIREFIGHTING EQUIPMENT, CONTROL OVER FIRE EVACUATION, OBSERVATION OF EMPLOYEE ACTIVITY, PATROL OF PREMISES, PARKING LOT CONTROL, LOCK UP, SETTING AND TESTING OF ALARM SYSTEMS, GUIDING EVACUATION DURING EMERGENCIES SUCH AS BOMB THREATS, AND REPORTS COVERING OBSERVATION IN ALL PHASES OF LIBRARY OPERATION. GUARDS SHOULD NOT BE EXPECTED TO PERFORM JANITORIAL DUTIES, BOOK SHELVING, DISCIPLINING OF EMPLOYEES WHO VIOLATE RULES, AND DEMEANING DUTIES THAT LOWER THE ESTEEM OF GUARDS IN THE EYES OF EMPLOYEES AND VISITORS. FACTORS TO CONSIDER BY LIBRARY ADMINISTRATION IN THE SELECTION AND USE OF GUARDS ARE UNIFORMS, COURTESY, THE NUMBER OF GUARDS TO BE EMPLOYED, THE USE OF GUARDS DURING OPEN HOURS, GUARD ASSISTING SYSTEMS SUCH AS CLOSED CIRCUIT TELEVISION, ELEMENTS IN PLANNING FOR GUARD SERVICE (LICENSING, ADMINISTRATION, SUPERVISION, OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES, TRAINING, EQUIPMENT, AND MANAGEMENT), IN-HOUSE VERSUS CONTRACT GUARD SERVICE, AND COST EFFECTIVENESS. (DEP)