Strength in Reserve (and Periodicals too)

Weekly Incident Report Digest:
On 2/28, staff reported minor vandalism to a computer in the Smart Commons in Wilson.
On 3/3, a patron in Wilson reported to staff that her purse was missing, possibly stolen. UMPD was called and a report was filed. Shortly thereafter, the purse was turned in at Wilson Circulation. Nothing was missing and the purse was reunited with its relieved owner.

Seven incident reports were filed last week from Reserve and Periodicals
Four of these were dealing with the lib guest log-in
Two were from patrons asking for security monitors or police
One was a lock on the computers in the periodicals room

Remember if you fill out an incident report, please let me know.

Posted by Becky A at 11:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

On 10-08-07, at 9 p.m. in a first floor restroom of Anderson Hall, a 64- year-old male was the victim of an attempted robbery/theft of his wallet. No harm came to the victim, but the suspect used the victim’s disability to facilitate his attempt of the robbery/theft. No loss occurred.
The suspect was described to police as: male, black (dark complexion), 20-25 years old, and 5’8” – 5’9” tall. He was wearing a black long-sleeved shirt, a pair of black pants, and had braided medium-length hair covered by a white bandana (“dew rag”). Some facial hair was observed.

Safety Tips:
Increase your awareness of your surroundings.
Report suspicious activity immediately.
Use the University of Minnesota’s Student Monitor Program escort service. This service is available 24 hours a day by calling 612.624.WALK (9255).

Posted by Becky A at 12:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Today there was an attempted assault on the fourth floor of Wilson Library with the perpetrator getting away. While incidents like this do not typically occur in the library, it is important that we take precautionary actions to ensure that everybody remains safe. Remember if you see suspicious activity out in the library to let a full time staff member know.

If you are concerned about walking to and from the library or campus, the UMPD suggests that you call the Campus Escort Service at 612-624-WALK (9255). The Campus Escort Service is available 24 hours a day.

Posted by Becky A at 02:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Due to the last to fire alarms, it's time to review the library's emergency procedures! This is for everyone, supervisors included. You can either go to the link below or there is a printed version at the desk.
http://staff.lib.umn.edu/fom/Emergency%20Plans/wilsonemergency.pdf

Posted by Becky A at 02:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Message from Jerrie Bayer:

As a rule, staff should be aware that they should never hold onto personal materials for users. The Libraries should not be put in a position where they could be held liable if theft or damage occurs while an item is in the care of our staff.

Also of concern is the potential for criminal activity involving unattended bags, such as bombs or other harmful devices. Because of this potential danger, staff should not jeopardize themselves or other library patrons by accepting a bag from a patron.

If there are concerns raised by users or staff, please refer them to either me or Matt Bowers (mattb@umn.edu). Further information will be coming from the Safety Committee.

Posted by Becky A at 02:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

There were two incidents reported last week,

On 7/8, a Wilson staff member was in the building after closing and exited by the emergency door by the circulation desk on the first floor. The alarm sounded, the staffer called 911, and the alarm was disabled by UMPD. Staff in Wilson who leave after closing should exit by the secure door in the basement by Shipping and Receiving.

On 7/11, outside the front door, an individual was verbally abusive to Wilson staff members. UMPD was in the area looking for the individual based on a complaint from University staff in another West Bank building. The individual was charged with disorderly conduct.

Also on 7/11, a fire alarm sounded in Wilson due to smoke from burning microwave popcorn in the staff lounge. A memo was sent out reminding staff about library policy concerning microwave popcorn.

Many thanks to everyone in Wilson for the great cooperation during the fire alarm this morning. The alarm sounded during a regular maintenance check by Facilities staff.

Posted by Becky A at 03:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A incident report was filed on May 14th concerning a group of noisy patrons in Walter Library.

We have also received reports concerning patrons praying in staff areas, as well as patron complaints concerning other patrons praying in the stacks. There have also been anecdotal reports of issues involving foot washing in restrooms.

On Wednesday, May 23, Linda DeBeau-Melting [attended] a meeting with other campus representatives to get an understanding of the issues involved and possible solutions.

There were two incident reports filed last week.

On 5/15, in Wilson Library, a staff member discovered a patron in the library after closing. The staff member escorted the patron out of the building. The patron reported that he had not heard the closing announcement.

On 5/24, a water leak was reported in the Vet Med Library. Staff notified facilities and began the recovery process immediately.

UMPD Chief Greg Hestness sent an all-staff campus safety alert on 5/25. The alert reported an armed robbery at University Village Apartments, on the eastern edge of the Minneapolis campus. Chief Hestness reminded staff to call 612-624-WALK (9255) if any one would like an escort on campus. For more information, see Escort Service

~ Matt Bowers, Library Safety/Security Coordinator

Posted by Elena Carrillo at 04:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Seven buildings on the East Bank campus are in the process of being evacuated due to a bomb threat. They include: Kohltoff, Smith, Frasier, Johnston and Morrill Halls as well as Walter Library and the Science Classroom Building. All classes and meetings in these buildings have been canceled for the remainder of the day. Students are asked to return to their residence halls or their off-campus housing. Please do not congregate in the Mall area.

Staff are encouraged to go to another Libraries location until we learn more or they can return to their buildings. Please watch for further announcements.

--Linda Watson, Acting University Librarian

Posted by Margaret Ostrander at 02:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

One incident report was filed from Walter on 3/28, concerning a damaged computer terminal on Level F. The damage appeared to be intentional. There were no witnesses to the event.

Theft on campus is a big problem. Reports have come in from Mondale Hall, Vincent Hall, and Ford Hall of various thefts and break-ins. Facilities staff were called to Vincent Hall and Ford Hall to repair damage from break-ins. Two thefts were reported in the Libraries. On 3/28, UMPD were called about the theft of an IPod and billfold from a study carrel in Wilson. The victim had left her belongings unattended on 3/26 and discovered the theft when she was contacted by her credit card company about suspicious activity on her account. On 3/29, UMPD were called about a theft of a backpack with textbooks on Level F of Walter. The backpack had been left unattended. The victim recovered the backpack but the textbooks were missing. Both thefts occurred at times of the day when there is no security monitor coverage.

In March, security monitors reported 132 incidents in Wilson Library, down form 191 incidents in February. Most incidents involved unauthorized use of log-in computers.

--Matt Bowers, Library Safety/Security Coordinator

Posted by Margaret Ostrander at 12:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

There were no incident reports filed this week.

There were two police calls to Wilson Library. On 3/22, UMPD was called concerning a stolen cell phone and that case is still being investigated. On 3/25, UMPD reunited a missing billfold with its owner.

--Matt Bowers, Libraries Safety & Security Coordinator

Posted by Margaret Ostrander at 06:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

On 3/10, in Walter, a patron was viewing a DVD (which some considered offensive) with the audio on. When asked to turn off the audio, the patron complied.

On 3/14, in Walter, the same patron asked for assistance with a computer. A staff person determined that the monitor had been disconnected -- and noticed that the patron appeared to be going to view a potentially offensive video. Another patron complained about the content. When the first patron was unable to move to an open computer with a privacy screen, he began talking loudly to himself and then left. This patron has a history of disruptive behavior--staff called 911 previously about his loud talking.

On 3/18, in Diehl Hall, staff at the Wangensteen Library reported a water leak coming down from the sixth floor. Staff covered books with plastic and placed buckets near the leak. Facilities was notified immediately. Facilties staff are investigating all potential causes of the leak and working on a long-term solution.

Also, just wanted to remind you that on 3/13 UMPD Police Chief Greg Hestness sent out a public safety alert to the Twin Cities campus about a theft of an IPod in front of the Rarig Center. The theft involved violence to the victim, who suffered some bruises but is okay. This is a reminder to pay attention to your surroundings at all times. To quote the alert: "The UMPD would like to remind those on campus that the Security Monitor escort service is available and free of charge by calling 612-624-WALK (9255). We discourage the use of in-ear listening devices while walking or jogging in public areas, and encourage pedestrians to remain alert to their surroundings instead."
--Matt Bowers, Libraries Safety & Security Coordinator

Posted by Margaret Ostrander at 03:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Just before 3:00 pm on Sunday, March 12, 2007, a female was walking outside of the Rarig center on the University of Minnesota's West Bank. She was approached from behind by a male who demanded that she
give him her iPod. He attempted to grab it from her, and a struggle ensued. During the struggle, the suspect punched the victim, retained the iPod, and fled towards 19th Avenue South.

The suspect was described by the victim as a male, between the ages of 16 and 25. He had a medium build and was between 5' 02" and 5' 06" tall. He had a darker complexion, and was possibly of East African descent. He was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and dark pants. He had short hair and was clean shaven.

The University of Minnesota Police Department (UMPD) is investigating the incident, and is seeking assistance from the public in identifying and locating the suspect. If you have information, please call 612-624-COPS (2677).

The UMPD would like to remind those on campus that the Security Monitor escort service is available and free of charge by calling 612-624-WALK (9255). We discourage the use of in-ear listening devices while walking or jogging in public areas, and encourage pedestrians to remain alert to their surroundings instead.
--Greg Hestness, Assistant Vice President of Public Safety and University Police Chief

Posted by Margaret Ostrander at 06:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

On 3/7, in Walter, assistance was needed by a staff member who locked his keys in his office. The security monitor confirmed the staff member's identity and found a Facilities staffer who had keys and the office was opened. The staff member was grateful for the assistance.

On 3/7, in Wilson, visitors to the library reported a gentleman writing his strongly-worded objections concerning the coffee shop on the paper tents that were placed on tables around the Wilson Reference room to promote the new coffee shop. Staff removed the tents and reported the incident to the security coordinator. No other action was taken.

On 3/9, in Walter, a UMPD officer responded to a 911 call. There had been a group in the area where the call had originated, but they were gone by the time the officer arrived. After consulting with the IT Dean's Office and Walter facilities staff, it was determined that there was no emergency or incident and the officer left the building.

--Matt Bowers, Libraries Safety & Security Coordinator

Posted by Margaret Ostrander at 03:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

There was only one incident report last week. It involved a water leak in Wilson Library. The leak was reported to Facilities.

In the month of February, security monitors in Wilson Library reported 191 incidents, up from 158 incidents in January. Most of the incidents involved the unauthorized use of log-in terminals.
-- Matt Bowers, Libraries Safety & Security Coordinator

Posted by Margaret Ostrander at 12:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

There were two incidents reported in the last week:

On 2/20, in the Law Library, four non-Law students tried to remain in the library after hours. Security monitors were eventually able to get all of them to leave.

On 2/25, a student entered the Bio-Medical library to call the police--he set his backpack down outside a bathroom on the tunnel level (outside the library) and when he came out of the bathroom it was gone. He filed a report with the UMPD.

--Matt Bowers, Libraries Safety & Security Coordinator

Posted by Margaret Ostrander at 02:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A winter storm warning is in effect from 6pm Friday, 23-Feb to 6pm Sunday, 25-Feb.

This will affect: Maggie, Adam?, Marie, Jacey, Marge, Brent, Alicia, Daryn C and myself.

If you are scheduled to work during this time, and you are wondering whether the Libraries have closed, there are two ways to find out:

1) Check for University-wide closing on the radio: WCCO at 830AM.
2) Call 612-624-4520. There should be a voicemail recording announcing whether the Libraries are closed.

For more information, check out http://staff.lib.umn.edu/fom/ecp.html.

It won't be especially cold, but it will be windy and icy with fast-accumulating snow. The plows will have a tough time keeping up with it. Be safe on the road (and get off it where possible)!

Posted by Charles Heinz at 08:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

There were several incidents reported around the libraries in the last week.

Wilson Library
On 2/19, a patron reported being a man distributing papers or brochures in the basement of Wilson. The man was approached by staff and informed about library policies regarding the need for library approval of any materials distributed in the libraries. The man left the building

In January, Wilson Library security monitors reported 158 incidents in Wilson Library, as compared to 95 incidents in December. This number includes every time a monitor speaks to a patron about appropriate use of computers, food and beverage policies, and/or disruptive behavior.

Sci/Eng Library/Walter Building
On 2/13, a group of students were arguing loudly. They were asked to quiet down. The group left the building after a few minutes.

On 2/16, a group of non-University students were creating a disturbance in the reference room. UMPD was called. By the time the police arrived, the group had moved to Level F, where the police spoke to them about noise and behavior in the library.

On 2/17, a group of non-University students were in the reference room, being noisy and running around the building. UMPD was called and the police officer ordered the group out of the building.

On 2/19, patrons complained about a noisy group of non-University students that was being disruptive. UMPD was called and the police officer ordered the group to leave the building.

Vincent Hall (Mathematics Library)
On 2/13, in the third-floor hallway, a student had a medical emergency. Paramedics were called and attended to the student.

Magrath Library
On 2/16, a staff member installed a flash drive into a PC, stepped away for a moment, and returned to find the flash drive missing.

Matt Bowers
Library Safety and Security Coordinator

Posted by Margaret Ostrander at 12:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

There were two incidents reported last week, both from Walter Library.

One incident involved a facilities issue involving a stubborn door lock that caused a problem for a patron. Facilities responded immediately and fixed the problem.

The other incident, reported on 2/11, involved a possible theft. A circulation staff member was asked by two patrons to look for a backpack that had supposedly been left behind the desk as a deposit for headphones. There was no backpack to be found--the staff member returned to the desk, discovering that one of the patrons had left and that the staff member's iPod was missing. The staff member reported the incident to the security monitor.

-- Matt Bowers, Library Safety and Security Coordinator

Posted by Margaret Ostrander at 01:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

There were several incidents reported in the last week, in Bio-Med and in Wilson

In Bio-Med, there was an incident on 1/28 involving a noisy group of patrons who eventually quieted down after a couple of warnings. Also, on 2/1, an attempted theft of a laptop was reported. UMPD was called and interviewed the patron who reported the incident.

In Wilson, there were incident reports involving facilities issues ranging from water problems to littering. On 1/29, a patron reported that some personal items had been stolen from a study carrel. The patron spoke with a security monitor. On 1/31, UMPD were called to investigate a patron who fit the description of an individual who had been trespassed. After observing the individual, police officers spoke with him and ID'd him. He was not the same person who had been trespassed. Officers said they were happy to check out potential trespassers any time.

Security monitor training sessions were completed last week. Many thanks to Dan Farrar, the security monitor supervisor, and to all library staff who participated in the trainings. Be sure to say hello to security monitors in your building.

-- Matt Bowers, Library Safety and Security Coordinator

Posted by Margaret Ostrander at 03:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Weekly Incident Report Digest

There was one incident report last week, from Magrath, concerning the sighting of an individual who was trespassed from the East and West Bank campuses. Unfortunately, this person has not been trespassed from the St. Paul campus. UMPD are aware that this person was on the St. Paul campus and are monitoring the situation. Thanks to staff for reporting the incident.

Training for security monitors is under way. Training sessions were held in Wilson Library and at Mondale Hall. Walter security monitors have a training session scheduled for this Friday.

Matt Bowers, Library Safety and Security Coordinator

Posted by Margaret Ostrander at 04:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Lock up your laptop - Read today's MN Daily article

Remember that laptops in the library are suceptible to theft. Use the small theft prevention tags kept by the front desk should you encounter an unattended laptop or other personal property while shelving.

Leaving this note for a patron could really deter future theft.

Posted by Margaret Ostrander at 01:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

There was only one incident reported last week. A student had a jacket stolen from a study carrel in the Law Library. The University Police were notified.

This week begins a round of training for security monitors. Trainings will be held in locations across the library system. I will be at each session.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions and concerns about safety and security issues.

--Matt Bowers, Library Safety and Security Coordinator

Posted by Margaret Ostrander at 05:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

There was one incident reported last week, in Wilson Library. A staff member in the circulation area was working after closing and heard someone asking for help. The staff member went out to the front desk and found an individual who had fallen asleep and who was trying to find a way out of the library without setting off an alarm. The staff member made sure that the individual did not have library materials and let him out. I notified the security monitor supervisor--we need to take particular care to check buildings at closing especially with the advent of cold weather.
--Matt Bowers, Library Safety and Security Coordinator

Posted by Margaret Ostrander at 12:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Yesterday, 12/19, there was an incident on the 3rd floor of Wilson Library. A U of MN student confronted a group of individuals who were talking loudly and making studying difficult. The interaction became disruptive and Libraries staff called the Campus police, who arrived very quickly. The police separated the conflicting parties. As a result of the police investigation, they trespassed the individuals (who were still on site) in the group, barring them from all West Bank buildings. Library administration has been in touch with the U of MN student. I went to the scene of the incident, spoke with police, observers, staff, and the student, and continue to follow-up with the police.

Posted by Margaret Ostrander at 09:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

We have incidents reports this week from Walter, Wilson, and Health Sciences.

On 12/10, a Sci/Eng librarian reported encountering a student in the Walter Building on a Sunday morning before the building was open to the public. The student was not willing to leave the building until the librarian reminded the student that building security staff would soon be reporting for duty. The student left the building and the librarian made sure the doors were locked.

On 12/11, an individual ran out the basement exit after it was closed, setting off an alarm. A witness said the individual appeared to be waiting for staff to leave the exit area before the exit was breached. Security monitors were notified.

On 12/13, on a tour of the Diehl Hall library, a fire door was found unlocked. Staff locked the door and planned to speak to facilities staff about procedures for securing fire doors.

Thanks to all who used the incident report system and to all of you who have offered comments and suggestions. The next digest will appear on January 2, 2007.

Reminder: Use the incident report form at http://staff.lib.umn.edu/security/ Report these types of problems to the security monitor and your supervisor. Call 911 for criminal behavior. Never endanger your personal safety.

Posted by Margaret Ostrander at 01:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

There were three incident reports last week, all in Wilson Library

Incident reports filed by library staff & student workers:
11/30--A wallet was reported stolen from a backpack that was left unattended. The police were called but the victim had no other information.

11/30--A patron reported the attempted theft of a backpack. The patron was looking for a book on the shelf and observed someone reaching for his backpack, not once but twice. The patron started to walk back to the backpack and the suspect left the area. The police were called and checked the area for the suspect, with "negative results".

12/03-Security monitor reported that a patron approached him and informed him that two individuals had attempted to steal the patron's laptop. The police were called and detained an individual who fit a description given by the patron. The patron did not want to confront the individual, so the police took a photograph--the patron was not able to positively identify the individual and the police released the individual. The security monitor then asked Central Security to review footage from the security cameras in Wilson. Two individuals who matched the patron's description were identified on the footage and that information was passed on to the UMPD.

Incident reports filed by security monitors:
The Wilson Security Monitor Reports reflected 461 incidents in Wilson Library in November. The biggest share of incidents in November, 160 of the total, involved log-in issues. Total incidents in September were 492 and in October were 505.

Reminder: Use the incident report form at http://staff.lib.umn.edu/security/ Report these types of problems to the security monitor and your supervisor. Call 911 for criminal behavior. Never endanger your personal safety.

Posted by Margaret Ostrander at 03:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

On 11/20 in Wilson Library in the evening, a laptop and wallet were stolen from a study carrel. The student using the carrel was sure that the carrel was locked while the student was at dinner. Upon returning, the student found the carrel door open and discovered the theft. It was reported to the police, who are investigating.

On 11/21 in the Health Sciences Library in Diehl Hall, a fourth-floor fire door that was supposed to be locked was found to be unlocked. The door leads to a mechanical room. Library staff is working with facilities staff to make sure this door is locked when not in use.

On 11/26 in Wilson in the evening, a backpack was reported stolen. The police were notified and the case is being investigated.

Reminder: Use the incident report form at http://staff.lib.umn.edu/security/ Report these types of problems to the security monitor and your supervisor. Call 911 for criminal behavior. Never endanger your personal safety.

Posted by Margaret Ostrander at 04:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The following is a note from Sharon Folk, building manager at Wilson Library:

The installation of the surveillance cameras in Wilson Library will begin 6 am Monday 11/06/2006. The project could take 8+ weeks. Tradesmen will be working throughout the building installing electrical conduit, NTS wiring and equipment installation. There will be floor core drilling and hammer drill (through the walls) work which is very loud. They will try to do most of the drilling between 6 am - 9 am. Know that they may need to do drilling at other times also.

While the cameras will be installed only in public areas in order for the conduit and wiring to be connected to the surveillance equipments it will be necessary for the tradesmen to work in the ceiling area of many staff areas. Everyone working on this project knows to have ID with them.

Always feel free to question anyone in your area and to contact any full-time staff with questions/comments/concerns.

Note: The cameras will be installed in all the main public elevator lobby areas plus a camera by the S30 door covering the public hall, the basement hall just beyond the restrooms showing the hall, in first floor and basement lobby covering the library entrances and one in the back area of GPL.

Posted by Margaret Ostrander at 01:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Below is a message sent by Wendy, the University Librarian about upcoming installation of security cameras at Wilson Library. Please ready carefully.

I want to bring to your attention a project that is about to begin, an effort that we hope will be of value as part of our work to ensure a safe/secure environment in our libraries.

We have been given the opportunity, through a larger West Bank project, to install surveillance cameras in Wilson Library. Work will begin shortly to install 11 cameras in Wilson. This is part of a University-wide video surveillance program, coordinated by the University's Public Safety office. Cameras are focused on public areas in plain view (stairwells and elevators, lobbies, and public corridors). Camera data are monitored by campus Central Security staff consist with University policies and reasonable expectations of privacy as defined by law. The recorded data are stored in a secure central site with access by authorized personnel only.

Central Security staff tell us that the presence of surveillance cameras is a major deterrent for illegal and disruptive behavior. In addition, the recorded data (which is stored for 30 days) serve as documentation that can be released (only to authorized personal) as part of a criminal investigation or court proceedings.

If you have questions, please talk to Margaret or any Reserve/Periodicals full-time staff.

Wendy
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Wendy Pradt Lougee
University Librarian / McKnight Presidential Professor
University of Minnesota

Posted by Margaret Ostrander at 11:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Date: 10/26/06
Time: 7:15
Location: Wilson Reference Desk
Type of Incident: Conflict
Unit: Reference Dept.

Problem: An angry student came to the desk and complained of people who were crowded around a computer on the 3rd floor making noise and refusing her requests to be quiet. As we were talking a young man walked by and she pointed him out as one of the offenders and he told her "that she was lucky she was female". The security guard came up and she demanded that he go after the man who, she felt had threatened her. The security guard called the police.

P.S.I had received a call from the red phone on the third floor earlier in the shift (around 6:30) from another patron on the 3rd floor complaining about noisy kids. I asked Robert at Circulation to page the security guard and send him to the 3rd floor.
Action Taken:Other, reported to the security guard

Reminder: Use the incident report form at http://staff.lib.umn.edu/security/ Report these types of problems to the security monitor and your supervisor. Call 911 for criminal behavior. Never endanger your personal safety.

Posted by Margaret Ostrander at 11:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Date: 10/14/06 Time: 2:50 Location: WilsonType of Incident: Crime Unit: Wilson Reference

Problem: Patron reported that his backpack was stolen while he went to the bathroom. The Security Monitor and I both told him that he should call the police and file a report. He wasn't sure if he wanted to do that.I don't know if he filed a report.
Action Taken:Contacted Security Monitor

Reminder: Use the incident report form at http://staff.lib.umn.edu/security/ Report these types of problems to 911. Also contact security monitors & supervisor. Never endanger your personal safety.

Posted by Margaret Ostrander at 03:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Date: 9/30/06 Time: 4:30 Location: Wilson Library 2nd floorType of Incident: Crime Unit: Wilson Reference

Problem: Patron reported that his backpack was stolen while he was helping someone on the 2nd floor. Patron didn't want to call police but spoke with the security monitor. She also recommended that he call police. He didn't want to call police but wanted other patrons to help him find the backpack. One patron complained to the security monitor about the victim. The victim's behavior seemed a bit strange.

-----------------------------------

Date: 9/30/06 Time: 4:30 Location: Wilson 2nd floorType of Incident: Crime Conflict Unit: Wilson Reference

Problem: This is a followup to an incident report I sent earlier on Saturday about someone who claimed that his backpack had been stolen. The security monitor was concerned that the victim was behaving strangely and called a supervisor. When the supervisor arrived they went upstairs. A few minutes later the victim came to the Reference Desk and yelled at Gene:"Call security ASAP and don't let this person leave the library" He had a student with him. He had taken the student's homework. Several other guys came along to help the student get his homework back. The student at the circ desk called security. The student got his homework back. I asked the victim to sit down and wait for security. Instead he ran out by the campus phone. The security people came back and I told them where the victim was. They took him outside but I don't know the outcome. I ran into Linda DeBeau Melting in the parking garage and told her what I knew about it, which isn't all that much

Reminder: Use the incident report form at http://staff.lib.umn.edu/security/ Report these types of problems to 911. Also contact security monitors & supervisor. Never endanger your personal safety.

Posted by Margaret Ostrander at 11:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Date: 29 sept 2006 Time: 1:20 Location: wilsonType of Incident: Other noise complaint
Unit: reference

Problem: Patron stopped at reference desk to complain that people on the 2nd floor were talking loudly on cell phones, disturbing others who were trying to study. No guard on duty, so I went up the second floor. Walked through entire floor without seeing or hearing anyone using a cell phone at all.
Action Taken:Other, checked out floor

Reminder: Use the incident report form at http://staff.lib.umn.edu/security/ Report these types of problems to the security monitor and your supervisor. Call 911 for criminal behavior. Never endanger your personal safety.

Posted by Margaret Ostrander at 03:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Date: 28 sept 2006 Time: 2:40 Location: wilson, second floorType of Incident: Other noise
Unit: wilson reference

Problem: Patron leaving the library reported that someone on second floor was walking about, talking on a cell phone so loudly as to distract others. I started up to second floor as a person talking fairly loudly (but not exceptionally so) on a cell phone came down the stairs and exited the building. I went up to second and didn't hear anything out of the ordinary so assume that was the person reported.
Action Taken:Other, security monitor not on yet, so I checked out floor

Reminder: Use the incident report form at http://staff.lib.umn.edu/security/ Report these types of problems to the security monitor and your supervisor. Call 911for criminal behavior. Never endanger your personal safety.

Posted by Margaret Ostrander at 04:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Date: 9/27/06 Time: 5:50pm Location: Wilson Library
Type of Incident: Other loud patrons Unit: General Reference Dept.
Problem: I received a call at the Reference Desk from a very annoyed patron who said that she had just left Wilson Library because a group of kids had descended on the third floor making noise and logging each other in with what she thought was a borrowed id. I explained our increased security and assured her that the security guard would go right up and investigate the problem. I also encouraged her to use the red phones if she ever had the problem again. The security guard went up and as soon as the people in question saw her they headed out the door. The security guard said that she would continue to monitor the situation every few minutes to be sure they don't come back.
Action Taken: Contacted Security Monitor

Reminder: Use the incident report form at http://staff.lib.umn.edu/security/ Report these types of problems to the security monitor and your supervisor. Call 911for criminal behavior. Never endanger your personal safety.

Posted by Margaret Ostrander at 12:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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

Posted by Margaret Ostrander at 03:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Date: 9/21/06 Time: 4:30 p.m. Location: 3rd floor Wilson LibraryType of Incident: Conflict
Unit: Wilson Reference Sex: male
Problem: Female student tried to use an unused computer near 4 non-University males, one of whom swore at her and turned off the monitor.

2 First Responders talked to the males and were told to use open access computers.
Action Taken:Called Geographic Facilitator or Library Designee

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Date: 9/21/06 Time: 7pm Location: Wilson Library, several floors
Type of Incident: Other Inappropriate behavior by young patrons; Unit: Wilson General Reference
Problem: At least six times from 5-6.30 pm, the Security Monitor had to ask teenage library visitors, who were using computers on the upper floors, to quiet down so others could study. Two patrons (one, a caller on the Red Phone; another, in person at the Reference desk) complained about the noise they were making. At one point, a General Reference staffer had to go upstairs and ask the youngsters to be more quiet, too.
Action Taken:Contacted Security Monitor

Reminder: Use the incident report form at http://staff.lib.umn.edu/security/ Report these types of problems to the security monitor and your supervisor. Call 911for criminal behavior. Never endanger your personal safety.

Posted by Margaret Ostrander at 03:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Date: 9/19/06 Time: 3:35 Location: 2nd Floor of Wilson Lib. SW corner
Type of Incident: Other indecent exposure/masturbating
Unit: Wilson Reference Height: 6ft Weight: medium Hair Color: black Sex: male
Description of clothing: tan pants and dark shirt
Problem: Student came to the desk to report that a man was masturbating on the second floor.
Action Taken:Called 911

Remember: The on-line incident report form is located at http://staff.lib.umn.edu/security/ Report these types of problems to 911, and never endanger your personal safety

Posted by Margaret Ostrander at 12:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Date: 9-15-06 Time: 1:00 PM Location: Wilson LibraryUnit: Circulation
Sex: male
Problem: While doing a book search on the second floor, two girls studying in private group study rooms flagged me down and complained that a man had been in their room harassing them, touching them, and talking to them while they were studying. I called the university police service, met the officer at the library entrance, and showed them where the girls were still studying. They found the man and made him leave the library.
Action Taken:Called Police

Remember: The on-line incident report form is located at http://staff.lib.umn.edu/security/ Report these types of problems to 911, and never endanger your personal safety

Posted by Margaret Ostrander at 11:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The following is a message from the University Police. While it doesn't directly relate to the Libraries, it is something the entire campus community should know about.

In the early morning hours of September 9th, there were two unprovoked
assaults of students near campus. Local media covered the two assaults
over the weekend. Yesterday, the University of Minnesota Police
Department received a report of a 3rd assault that took place on campus
near 16th Ave SE and University Ave that same night. There have been no
additional similar cases since the 9th. However, we believe it is
important that the campus community be made aware that these assaults
have taken place, especially with the weekend coming up and the
likelihood of students socializing off campus. This information is also
posted at the UMPD website, www.umn.edu/police and includes additional
safety advice.

Posted by Margaret Ostrander at 11:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Date: 8-30-06 Time: 2:45 pm Location: East Asian Library (Wilson sub-basement) Type of Incident: Crime
Problem: Student from EA Lib came to Wilson Ref Desk to report that her purse had been stolen from her work area in EA Lib while she was at lunch. I recommended that she call 911 and offerred her use of our phone, but she decided to return to EA Lib to make the 911 call, which she did. U Police came to EA Lib and took her statement. I notified the Security Monitors who were just coming on duty. Note: The student may also be filing an incident report of the theft.
Action Taken:Called 911 Police

Remember: The on-line incident report form is located at http://staff.lib.umn.edu/security/ Report these types of problems to 911, and never endanger your personal safety

Posted by Margaret Ostrander at 03:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Date: 8/24/06 Time: 2:35pm Location: 2nd floor wilson Unit: IT Computer SUpport
Problem: A group of kids were roughhousing on the 2nd floor and taking up all of the computers. They obviously have login information available to them because ALL the computers were being taken up by this group of kids. A patron was trying to look for a computer and was upset that the whole 2nd floor was taken up by game-users.

I was stopped by the patron and asked where they could get on a computer to look up a book. I walked patron down to the 1st floor and showed them the comptuers in the reference room.

I talked to my supervisor and am now aware that as staff I may ask for U of MN ID or ask a security monitor to do this if I feel uncomfortable (there were 8 or more young men all in a group).

Action Taken:Reported to Supervisor; Took patron to a less disruptive location.

Reminder: Use the incident report form at http://staff.lib.umn.edu/security/ Report these types of problems to the security monitor and your supervisor. Call 911for criminal behavior. Never endanger your personal safety.

Posted by Margaret Ostrander at 09:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Date: 8/16/2006 Time: 4:45 pm Location: Wilson Reserve Service Desk - basement
Type of Incident: Other Inappropriate Behavior
Unit: Wilson Library Reserve & Periodicals
Hair Color: black Sex: male Description of clothing: yellow short-sleeved t-shirt & jeans
Problem: service desk was closed. patron startled me by peering into the periodicals book-drop and saying "you're crazy." he then asked me for a quarter. he also said that he "liked kittens", pointing to our calendar with a picture of a cat. he asked me to flip the calendar so he could see the other pictures. he looked at me very sexually the entire time, making me very uncomfortable.
Action Taken:Contacted Security Monitor & Reported to Supervisor

Reminder: Use the incident report form at http://staff.lib.umn.edu/security/ Report these types of problems to the security monitor and your supervisor. Call 911for criminal behavior. Never endanger your personal safety.

Posted by Margaret Ostrander at 09:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Date: 8/10/06 Time: 4:30, Location: Wilson Library, Unit: Wilson Reference
Type of Incident: Other
Problem: A patron came to the Reference Desk and said that he has been studying here every day for the last week from morning until evening and every day all day there are kids playing on the computer with their music turned up disrupting his ability to study. He said that it is the same group of kids all the time. I reported it to the security guard who went up and told the kids they had to turn down their music. I asked the patron to call us on the red phones whenever it is happening and we will send someone up to deal with the kids. The patron was very upset. I also gave him a comment form which he took with him.
Action Taken:Contacted Security Monitor

Reminder: The on-line incident report form is located at http://staff.lib.umn.edu/security/ Report these types of problems to the security monitor and your supervisor. Call 911for criminal behavior. Never endanger your personal safety.

Posted by Margaret Ostrander at 10:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

From reading this blog, you've probably noticed that there have been a few thefts (lap tops, purses) at Wilson Library recently.

To help prevent theft, the Libraries Facilities department (FOM) has prepared a simple notice to alert library users that it is not safe to leave their laptops, backpack, and other personal items unattended. Please be on the lookout for unattended items and leave a notice on such items for the patron. Take a supply of notices to use while shelving.

We will keep a supply at the desk. Please alert Margaret when we are running low on these notices.

All students please comment that you've read this. Thanks!

Posted by Margaret Ostrander at 05:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (12)

Date: 07/26/2006 Time: 4:45 PM Location: Wilson Library, 3rd floor
Type of Incident: Crime Unit: Reference
Problem: Student was taking a five minute nap; someone took her purse off her study table.
Action Taken:Called 911

Remember: The on-line incident report form is located at http://staff.lib.umn.edu/security/ Report these types of problems to 911, and never endanger your personal safety

Posted by Margaret Ostrander at 01:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

You are invited to attend any of the following open meetings with the Libraries Security and Safety Committee. As student workers, you have valuable insights that are much different than full-time staff. During the academic year, you are here during late hours and have a viewpoint on security issues that is very important. While attending a forum is not mandatory, it is certainly encouraged.

The Security and Safety Committee would like to hear your comments, concerns, and suggestions! All staff are invited to attend one of these open meetings:
* 10-11 am, Monday, July 31, Magrath Library 2
* 1:30-2:30 pm, Wednesday, August 2, Andersen Library 120
* 1-2 pm, Monday, August 7, Walter Library 101

Your time at the forum would be paid. You may attend even if it's not during your scheduled shift.

At the forums, there will be discussion about issues and proposed solutions considered thus far by the committee and will ask you all to share your thoughts. What else should the committee consider, what's the most important issue, what new ideas do you have? The committee is considering how to address issues surrounding a safe environment in the libraries; our charge includes articulating the purpose(s) of library facilities, assessing data about problem incidents, reviewing existing policy, and recommending additional steps that could be taken to improve our environments. If you can't attend an open meeting, please share your ideas and input with a full-time staff person who will pass them onto the safety and security committee.

Please comment here if you plan to attend and indicate which training you'll be at. Also tell us if this means you will be missing a portion of a scheduled shift.

Posted by Margaret Ostrander at 09:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Date: 7/19/06 Time: 6pm Location: Wilson Library Reference Room Type of Incident: Crime Other
Unit: Reference Dept.
Problem: A student came to the Reference Desk and reported that his laptop had been stolen out of his bookbag while he was in the restroom. A security guard was on duty so I called the guard over and he called the campus police so that the student could file a report.
Action Taken:Other, reported it to the security guard who was on duty

Reminder: use the Incident Report Form, call 911 and report such incidents to your supervisor.

Posted by Margaret Ostrander at 11:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Date: 7/18/06 Time: 3:50 PM Location: Map Library (basement of Wilson) Type of Incident: Crime
Problem: A patron using the Map Library was using the computer equipment. When he came back to the area where his laptop was sitting, it was gone. I called the police and patron reported the crime.
Action Taken:Called Police

Reminder: use the Incident Report Form, call 911 and report such incidents to your supervisor.

Posted by Margaret Ostrander at 01:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Date: 7/12/07 Time: 1:45 pm Location: Wilson circulation desk
Type of Incident: Other
Height: 5'10 Weight: 210 Hair Color: black Sex: male
Description of clothing: blue football jersey
Problem: Yesterday, as I was about to leave, at teenage boy walked in pretending to be blind (I knew he wasn't because in the past week he has been in and approached the circulation desk, looking for attention). He walked into the counter. I asked if I could help him, but he ignored me. Then I asked again and told him that I knew he was not blind. At that point, he opened his eyes and asked where the circulation bell was because he wanted to ring it. I told him it wasn't out because someone was at the desk. He then walked up to the halpro screen and started to place his hands on it. I asked him to stop touching the screen. He did stop touching the screen, but still remained real close, so I asked him to leave the screen alone. He then went downstairs, calling me a meanie as he left. Circ staff person was also at the desk at this point. I told the Circ Supervisor about the boy and past interactions with him. Last Thursday, he came up to the circulation desk and kept bothering one of the student workers (asking him questions and trying to scare him).
Action Taken:Reported to Supervisor

Reminder: Anyone experiencing this type of situation should call 911 immediately as well as report to their supervisor.

Posted by Margaret Ostrander at 09:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Date: 7/12/06 Time: 2pm Location: 3rd floor Wilson
Type of Incident: Other disruptive behavior

Sex: male
Description of clothing: teenage black male, thick set, light blue football jersey
Problem: A patron complained about a teenage boy who was touching him (non-sexual touch), shouting in the bathroom and computer area, slamming the photocopier cover, and otherwise causing a ruckus on the third floor. Patron says that the young man has bothered him in the past.
Action Taken:Called 911

Posted by Margaret Ostrander at 11:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Date: 7/10/06 Time: 3:30 Location: Study area outside of basement exit to Wilson Library
Type of Incident: Indecent exposure
Hair Color: grey
Sex: male
Description of clothing: Homeless man w/long grey beard and hair/black pants & maroon shirt
Problem: Masturbated near a female student. When the student looked at him directly he ran out the exit of the study area.
Action Taken: Called 911

Date: 7/7/06 Time: 5:00 pm Location: 3rd floor Wilson
Type of Incident: Other - Indecent exposure
Sex: male
Description of clothing: white male, bald, wearing green shirt, glasses
Problem: guy was sitting on the floor of the next isle peering through the stacks at me, and from the sounds of it was probably masturbating. I heard someone on the other side and some "sounds" so I bent down and looked through and saw him looking through at me. I left the area.
Action Taken:Other, filled this report

Reminder: Anyone experiencing this type of situation should call 911 immediately and inform your supervisor.

Posted by Margaret Ostrander at 04:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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.

Posted by Margaret Ostrander at 11:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Date: 5/24/06
Time: 3:25pm
Location: Wilson library Annex
Type of Incident: Other
Unit: Stacks Mgmt. and Annex

Problem: A young Black male was found wandering around in the back area of the Annex. He appears to be the same individual who was mentioned in last week's incident report by the Map library. At that time some slides were taken from a staff area, and later found in another part of the building. He is about thirteen years old, appears small for his age, and is quite pudgy. I found him wandering in our staff area, and escorted him out. I then caught him when he went to the back staff elevator, and I told him where to find the public elevator. University police were called,and when an officer arrived a few minutes later we found the boy playing games on a 2nd floor computer. The young fellow has been found wandering before in library staff only areas. The officer took his name, phone number, and address, and explained about staying out of the staff areas. The officer said if he is seen again in a staff area to not approach him, keep an eye on him, and immediately call!
the police.
Action Taken:Called 911 Police
Other,

Posted by Margaret Ostrander at 11:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)