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The Black Belt Librarian: Real-World Safety & Security (2011)

by Warren Graham(Favorite Author)

3.67 of 5 Votes: 2

ISBN

0838911374 (ISBN13: 9780838911372)

languge

English

genre

Nonfiction

publisher

American Library Association

review 1: Very useful for staff, directors, board of trustee members in all types of libraries. This small but important book can be utilized in all sorts of settings and its not just about security at the extreme sense of the word. Graham also covers emergency plans, rules of conduct/behavior (i.e. what's a library for?), etc. A copy should be available in all library systems, even if only for "professional" use.
review 2: Great book....here's what I want to remember:There are no “problem patrons” but there are many behaviour problems that need to be corrected so that everyone can enjoy this public space.The 12 fundamentals of an effective security and safety program in a public library:1. Establish sound rules for the use of the library and guidelines for their ... moreenforcement (for an example, see Figure 2.1 on page 11)2. Recognize dangerous assumptions3. Treat everyone the same4. Be consistent5. Develop and maintain realistic awareness6. Use simple documentation7. Establish regular training8. Have control of all keys9. Review all procedures periodically10. Use a security checklist11. Develop outside relationships12. Have simple emergency plansLook at yourself and reflect: introverted or extroverted, passive or aggressive, emotional thinker or logical thinker, do you like people? Do you like your job?Your self-support system, when you approach patrons, is based on AAA: Attitude Approach AnalysisRecognizing the patron’s emotional state: ABCCAnxious? – stop, look, listen – watch your body language and soften your speech (page 39-41)Belligerent? – maintain eye contact, don’t get emotional, stand your ground (page 41-42)(out of) Control? – call Security or police, remember to breathe deeply (page 42-43)Calm? – the norm, the ideal state for our patrons (page 43)Six things that the “black belt” librarian doesn’t do:1. They never let what they cannot do get in the way of everything they can do.2. They know that they can control their environment. They learn to feel in charge. They do not let behaviour problems dictate the pace of the library.3. They are problem solvers and are resolved enough to make decisions. They are the “go-to” staff. They never waste time playing the easy role of the critic. Being a constant critic of everything takes no talent. It is so much easier to be critical than correct.4. They consistently work to simplify and clarify procedures. They do not get caught up in the endless “what if” game.5. They work to develop and maintain a quiet awareness of their surroundings. They never say that safety and security are someone else’s job. Security is everyone’s business, period, and they never forget that.6. They focus on being a real-world team so they can be consistent and have each other’s backs.Common problems in libraries:• Lack of guidelines for the enforcement of the rules• Lack of consistency in enforcement• Lack of stringent ban lengths• Lack of administrative support• Lack of requiring patrons to use the library appropriately less

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