Security of Academic Library Buildings

Abstract

The art of recognizing, anticipating, and reducing potential security risks and deficiencies in academic libraries is becoming increasingly important to library administrators. Visual and psychological measures, proper planning and supervision, and the use of security awareness checklists are vital for successful operational and physical security around the perimeter, the exterior barriers, public areas, and general work areas of academic library buildings. This article provides a basic awareness checklist and a discussion of the physical and operational security of academic library buildings.