Personal Safety in Library Buildings

Abstract

Summary Libraries, whatever they may represent to the public, are also workplaces for their employees, and-given human nature-can become dangerous places to visit or in which to work. A recent study of violence in the workplace conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reveals that “workers most at risk to workplace violence are those who deal with the public, exchange money and deliver goods and services.”1 Naturally, library staff are included in this at-risk category. When people do not feel safe in public buildings, they tend to avoid them (or working in them) for fear of danger, assault, injury, or worse. Other types of workplaces often have levels of security, commensurate with their functions, features and design, but most libraries-public places, with intentionally easy (or non-existent) admission requirements-place both employees and visitors at risk of violence. Demonstrably, there is a need for security in library buildings, but how much and what kinds of security are desirable, feasible, and affordable are subjects open to debate. As a general rule for public buildings, more is better, but such is not necessarily the case in library buildings, where a high level of physical security is exchanged for reasonably barrier-free access. This paper discusses seven levels of security in work-places, ranging in description from “perfect” to “rotten,” with library buildings placing low along the continuum. Because it is in the nature of public institutions to necessitate public exposure, staff and the general public are vulnerable to occasional unpleasant surprises. Library staff, however, are not helpless just because all are free to enter their institutions. A reasoned and coherent security policy consisting of preparations and countermeasures to enhance building security is essential. Forewarned is forearmed, and preparation of staff for violent incidents in the workplace and rapid response and reaction to such incidents are extremely important, and should be included in a comprehensive security plan that provides remedies to problems of personal vulnerability while maximizing security for all building occupants.