Sharing expertise gleaned from more than two decades as a library security manager, the author 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: Shows how to easily set clear expectations for visitors' behavior; Presents guidelines for when and how to intervene when someone violates the code of conduct, including tips for approaching an unruly patron; Offers instruction on keeping persistent troublemakers under control or permanently barred from the library; and Gives library staff tools for communicating effectively with its security professionals, including examples of basic documentation. Also, this guide arms librarians with the confidence and know how they need to maintain a comfortable, productive, and safe environment for everyone in the library.

Inmates running the asylum: stories from the front trenches -- Demystifying the concept of a security program: twelve essential elements of real-world library security -- The Librarian in the Mirror. Finding your personal rhythm: five questions to ask yourself ; A self-support system: three vital aces to keep up your sleeve. -- The Tao of "No". Approaching patrons who are not following rules of conduct ; Dealing with teens and children. -- Playing Chess with the Checkers Player. With strategy comes confidence ; Recognizing and responding to anxiety, belligerance, out of control, and calm ; Banning patrons and keeping them out. -- Day-to-Day Security Considerations. What you can do immediate;y to make the library safer ; Designing a secure library. -- A Strategy for Basic Security Documentation. Daily security log ; Trespass log ; Potential problem log. -- Security Personnel Who Actually Help You Be Secure. What to look for in a security officer ; The look of a professional ; Contract or proprietary officers? ; When to call security. -- Putting It All Together. Management ; Handling and evaluating staff. -- In closing: questions for all on planet library.