Keeping Anarchy at Bay: Lessons in Flexible Security

Abstract

Keeping Anarchy at Bay: Lessons in Flexible Security, , The safety and security of people and materials is one of the primary responsibilities of all libraries. Without a safe environment, and without a means of keeping materials secure, a library would quickly descend into a state of anarchy. All libraries struggle with security, and this presentation will discuss the evolution of security at the Jernigan Library, and ennumerate the lessons learned over a 30-year period. The era of no or little security will be contrasted with the current system of flexible (mainly) student personnel. These personnel provide security in the building and perform other functions as required -- computer lab operater, admin office worker, etc. The management of this flexible workforce (currently numbering about 15 persons) will be discussed, including issues of supervison (there must be various supervisors since the library is open for 17 hours some days), relationship with campus police, scheduling, training, communication (walkie-talkies), and hiring/firing. The importance of written policies, knowledge of the law, and University policies will be examined. Also discussed will be the physical deployment of security personnel and the library's current system of "rounds" on every floor every hour, closing procedures, uniforms, equipment, data gathering, and other issues related to library security. In the last analysis, security is both a recognition of common problems and how to deal with them (pizza party in the study rooms) and an attitude of preparation for the unexpected (patron collapse in the stacks). Flexibility is the key to maintaining order and therefore providing users with a safe and secure environment in which to work and to learn.