Sharing expertise gleaned from more than two decades as a library security manager, Graham demonstrates that libraries can maintain their best traditions of openness and public access by creating an unobtrusive yet effective security plan. In straightforward language, the author: (1) Shows how to easily set clear expectations for visitors'…

Too frequently, and often too late, academic librarians learn of patron experiences involving problem patrons, misdemeanor criminal activity, or poorly secured areas. Regrettably, these experiences can irrevocably diminish perceptions of access to the vibrant learning spaces and services offered by our institutions. This article assesses the…

Discusses the growing problem of theft of library materials, including rare books, by both scholarly researchers and library staff. Complacence of librarians and their failure to act in the past is also discussed, as well as the effects of tightened security measures on the traditional trust between librarians and researchers. (CLB)

Responses to a one-page questionnaire on library security were received from 89 of 117 Association of Research Libraries (ARL) institutions (76%). The questions, which covered administrative security control, security policies and procedures, permanent identification of library materials, and swift responses to possible theft were derived from a…

The first of six sections in this guide to security for special collections in archives and libraries discusses the importance of security and the difficulty of preventing theft of archival materials. The second section, which focuses on planning, recommends an inservice training program for staff, a planned communications network between library…

This videotape is designed to help library staff develop and implement a security program in the library, using library personnel or outside security personnel. Eight sections cover: (1) how to design an effective security policy; (2) how to approach disruptive patrons; (3) personal safety--with disruptive patrons, during a robbery, and when…