Security Message from the University Librarian
The following is a message from Wendy Pratt Lougee, University Librarian for all University Libraries.
The new academic term is in full swing. The increased traffic and energy in our libraries is evident!
With the fall term, we have also experienced continued problems related to disruptive behavior within Wilson Library. I want to let you know what actions are being taken. Last week, meetings were held with the UMN Chief of Police and a representative of his staff to request assistance in addressing this problem. We agreed to additional steps to increase security presence in Wilson. Beginning this past weekend, policy alerts and statements were posted and distributed in Wilson, informing our users that the first instance of disruptive behavior will result in removal from the library. Those of us in Libraries Administration were also on hand on Saturday and Sunday, circulating throughout the building and working with scheduled staff to deal with incidents that arose.
Beginning today, additional security monitors will be in place. This will allow us to have greater security presence on each floor and address disruptive behavior immediately. We have also had assurance from the police that they will include the interior of Wilson in their security rounds. If these additional steps are not successful, we are prepared to take more restrictive steps, including the potential of requiring identification from both affiliated and unaffiliated users who enter Wilson Library.
Over the summer, a Libraries task force reviewed policy and practice related to security in our library facilities. Chaired by Kris Fowler, the group included Joan Mouchet, Mike Sutliff, Kathy Allen, Sharon Folk, Jody Gray, and Mark Desrosiers. Linda DeBeau-Melting was administrative liaison to the group. Their report was just submitted last week and we will be posting it to the Libraries staff wiki this week. We will review this report in the coming weeks and also solicit feedback broadly. The recommendations will be critical as we continue to deal with the problems associated with maintaining an effective environment for our users and for our staff.
Thank you for your continued support in dealing with these difficult issues.
Wendy