Security Cameras & Other Fun Safety Updates
Safety and security in the Library are of ongoing priority.
Earlier this month the Libraries appointed a Libraries-Wide Security and Safety Committee to address issues surrounding a safe environment in libraries. The group will evaluate the purpose(s) of our facilities, assess data about problem incidents, review existing policy, and recommend additional steps that could be taken to improve our environments. There are several additional steps to report:
- The web-based archive of the Personal Safety Training sessions delivered earlier this year is available throughi: http://wiki.lib.umn.edu/HR/PersonalSafetyTraining
- From October through May, the number of disruptive incidents reported in Wilson Library declined nearly 60%. The Libraries continue to monitor user activities and take action to ban individuals who are engaged in repeat offenses. With new funding received for fiscal year 2007, the Libraries will continue to support two monitors in Wilson.
- Security monitors have received additional training on how to handle a variety of incidents, including the use of authenticated/log-in computers by unaffiliated patrons.
- The Libraries will be participating in a West Bank project that will install security cameras in Wilson Library. We expect eleven cameras to be installed over the summer, placed in main stairwells, at entrances on the first floor and basement, and in additional isolated areas. (Note: Cameras will not be aimed at service points where staff are working or at computer screens.). The cameras are monitored on a 24 hour basis at a central secure site managed by the Department of Central Security.
All students, please comment if you have ideas about how to make the Library a safer place or with any security issues in general that you've noticed.