Crime and Incivilities in Libraries: Situational Crime Prevention Strategies for Thwarting Biblio-Bandits and Problem Patrons

Abstract

In the past few decades, libraries have ceased to be places of quiet reading, study and reflection. Today they face many of the same issues and problems as do other social institutions. Crime and other incivilities have found their way into the library. Theft of library materials, vandalism, assaults, inappropriate use of library computers, use of the library as refuges by the homeless, street people, and the mentally ill, and other problems of crime and incivilities, call for development of strategies to deal with these issues. This paper examines the application of Situational Crime Prevention (SCP) techniques to ameliorate these conditions. The authors conclude that crimes such as theft, vandalism and assault, as well as problems with disruptive patrons can be substantially reduced by the implementation of SCP strategies and techniques in association with a well-conceived security plan and staff training. Program evaluation to determine the effectiveness of SCP interventions in libraries is recommended.