Library Security The Basics and Beyond SYDNEY MCCOY

Library Security: The Basics and Beyond SYDNEY MCCOY BRANCH ADMINISTRATOR C. BURR ARTZ PUBLIC LIBRARY FREDERICK COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARIES

Preventing Escalation � Assess situation � Be calm and non-threatening � Non-judgmental stance � Listen � Use their name � Clarify messages

Keep em’ happy �Hear the customer out �Don’t argue �Show you are sorry �Win them over with empathy �Start your investigation �Find out what the customer wants �Explain what you can and cannot do � Set up a plan �Take action �Check back with the customer

Behavior Policy �Behavior Policy What should it include? What should it not include? How much is too much? Do I need a separate Internet Policy? Is it enforceable? FCPL's Policy

Importance of Consistency in Enforcement �All patrons should be treated equally �Patrons travel from branch to branch �Treat teens with same standards as adults �If it violates policy don’t ignore it

Incident Report �A formal way to document safety and security issues �A formal tool to pass issues up the line to administration �In some situations a way to pass on situations to risk management and Police Departments �FCPL Form

Each branch in the system has a blog. Blogs are used to track security issues and communicate all potential issues. It is also used to announce bannings.

Consistent Banning Procedure �Librarian in Charge is only one authorized to ban a patron �FCPL Banning Procedure �Only offenses outlined in Behavior or Internet Policy are grounds for banning �Communication happens instantly �Sample Letter �How we enforce banning (the cold hard truth)

Banned Patron Log Updated as needed on system-wide intranet. When a patron is banned from one branch they are banned from the entire system.

Examples of Behaviors: �Public intoxication �Illegal substances �Lewd behavior �Weapons �Public outbursts, due to patrons with mental health issues �Theft �Tampering with equipment �Domestic situations that occur inside the library. Abuse, divorce, custody issues, distraught (sometimes suicidal) patrons

Benefits �Continue to learn �Communication �Networking �Safety �Staff Moral �Awareness �Support �Emergency Preparedness

Questions