At the recent Association for Rural and Small Libraries conference, Dr. Steve Albrecht presented on security and staying safe when help may be far away.
Here are some takeaways from that presentation.
General ideas:
- Use security incident reports to build your case for policy changes and security improvements.
- Talk your way out of confrontations (or out of the building).
- Make bold safety decisions when you must.
- Ask law enforcement (local or county PD, highway patrol) to drop in or drive by periodically.
Working alone:
- Create a twice daily 'check-in call' protocol. Whether it is a family member, friend, or the business owner across the street, check in around the same time every day.
- Install a camera system that can be monitored offsite.
- Install a panic alarm that rings to an alarm company.
- Get permission to carry pepper spray on you, not just nearby.
- Talk to your "phantom co-worker".
- Have an escape plan: park your car near the exit door; create a "robbery pack" (fake keys, wallet, purse, old cell phone).
- Create a safe room where you can lock or barricade the door until help arrives.
- Leave! You are more important than the books or equipment.
Working with one or more colleagues:
- Develop code words or phrases that mean: call police, leave the building, come help me now.
- Talk about how to handle the most challenging patrons. Maybe the patron responds better to one staff person over another.
- Discuss when a permanent ban may be necessary.
- Create better sightlines, eliminate blind spots, do walkarounds.
Talking to officials:
- Use national cases and incidents to support need for change.
- Make your case to local civic and community groups, library board and Friends groups, businesses.
- Keep the focus on the employees by discussing staff morale, employee retention, increased liability, worker's comp etc.
Albrecht recommends that library staff, board members, Friends groups view the California State University Active Shooter Safety Training YouTube video (8 minutes)
Book resources:
The gift of fear: survival signals that protect us from violence, by Gavin de Becker
Library Security: Better Communication, Safer Facilities, by David Albrecht