Introduction

While safety and security problems are relatively infrequent in the Libraries, we all need to be sensitive to working in a busy environment that is open to the public many hours each week. We are also a part of the larger university community where thousands of people live, work, and go to school every day. To be responsible members of this community as well as to protect our patrons, materials, and facilities, we must all share responsibility for safety and security in the libraries.

Library safety and security covers a wide range of concerns, from enforcing the no food/no drink policy and dealing with lost and found items to more serious incidents such as theft and disruptive behavior. These guidelines were developed to provide staff with the information and tools needed to respond to these situations. They provide instructions for managing a variety of safety and security situations and outline steps that all staff should know, understand, and be able to implement if called upon to do so. Staff are encouraged to become familiar with these guidelines and to refer to them as needed. Print copies are also available in most departments. Also, the guidelines are regularly updated as procedures change and new procedures are developed. If you come across errors in the guidelines, particularly changes in personnel and telephone numbers, please notify the Public Services Office immediately.

To accompany the guidelines, the Libraries will provide periodic safety and security training for staff. The training provides an opportunity to review and clarify procedures, discuss concerns, and practice various techniques for managing safety and security incidents. Staff who are interested in this training should notify the Staff Learning and Development Office.

Together we can provide a safe and inviting environment for work, study, and research. Thank you for your efforts!

Tanner Wray

Director of Public Services