Safety and Security in a Large, Public, University Library System: A Panel Presentation

Abstract

University of Oregon Libraries-seven facilities in three different cities-must juggle the needs of students, staff, and faculty, while also remaining open and accessible to non-affiliated community members. , , Each facility routinely deals with unusual incidents, including-but not limited to-vandalism, drug use, harassment, theft, evacuations, and other incidents. Additional complexities, like gender-based harassment and stalking, privacy and confidentiality concerns, and building security make for a sensitive and ambiguous topic. Using an incident tracking system developed in-house, we do our best to respond to, document, and learn from incidents with the hope of improving each library user's experience., , During this panel presentation, managers from the largest branches of UO Libraries will share a snapshot of our framework-including policies, teams, and training-for responding to incidents, and, looking forward, our shared vision for safety and security throughout our Libraries.,