The Safe Library: Keeping Users, Staff, and Collections Secure

This book offers guidance and support to library employees on how to handle disruptive patrons, including sexual harassment, unruly groups, gang members, thieves, and Internet hogs, ensuring a safe library environment.

Format: Hardback
Length: 196 pages
Publication date: 25 February 2023
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

This comprehensive guide is designed to equip library employees with the necessary skills and strategies to effectively handle a range of challenging situations that can arise within the library environment. From dealing with sexually harassing patrons to managing unruly groups of students, gang members, thieves, and Internet hogs, this book offers practical advice and support to ensure the safety and comfort of all library users.

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The library is a place of learning and exploration, but it can also be a venue for unexpected and challenging situations. Library employees must be prepared to handle a wide range of patrons, including those who may be sexually harassing, disruptive, or dangerous. This book provides valuable advice and support to help library employees navigate these complex situations with confidence and professionalism.

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Sexual harassment is a pervasive issue that affects people of all ages and backgrounds. Library employees may encounter patrons who engage in unwanted sexual behavior, such as making inappropriate comments, touching, or stalking. This book offers practical strategies for responding to sexual harassment, including documenting incidents, reporting harassment to appropriate authorities, and providing support to victims.

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Unruly groups of students can be a significant challenge for library employees. These groups may be disruptive, noisy, or disrespectful of library rules and policies. This book provides advice on managing unruly groups, including setting clear expectations, implementing consequences for rule violations, and working with other staff members to ensure a safe and peaceful environment for all library users.

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Gang members and other criminal activity can pose a threat to the safety and security of library employees and patrons. This book offers practical strategies for preventing and responding to criminal activity, including working with local law enforcement, implementing security measures, and training staff members on safety protocols.

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Internet hogs can consume significant amounts of bandwidth, slowing down the library's network and frustrating other users. This book provides advice on managing Internet usage, including setting limits on bandwidth usage, implementing filters to block inappropriate content, and training staff members on how to assist users with Internet-related issues.

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In addition to dealing with challenging patrons, library employees may also face personal stress and burnout due to the demands of their job. This book offers advice on managing stress and burnout, including taking breaks, seeking support from colleagues, and practicing self-care.

In conclusion, this comprehensive guide is designed to equip library employees with the necessary skills and strategies to effectively handle a range of challenging situations that can arise within the library environment. By providing practical advice and support, this book helps to ensure the safety and comfort of all library users, creating a welcoming and inclusive learning environment for everyone.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538169599