In early May, I posted a query on ARLIS-L, directed at Museum Librarians,
requesting input on whether they used humans or electronic systems, or a
combination thereof, for Materials Security in their Libraries.
To reiterate/clarify our situation: We are a non-circulating (staff with
offices can sign things out), closed stacks (to public) library of approx.
120,000 volumes. Our Reading Room and Reference-PCs/desk area is open to
everyone. This will be true in our new facility, to open in 5 years.
A number of the respondents requested I post the results on the List.
First, my thanks to all everyone who responded. Actually, there were as
many or more in the same situation as we are than there were those with
solutions.
The two respondents with the most useful information, who agreed that
electronic systems far outweighed the cost of humans, were Anne Morris at
the Toledo Museum of Art (tel: 419-255-8000 ext. 7379,
[log in to unmask]; and Ann Abid at Cleveland Museum of Art
(216-421-7340 ext. 2537, [log in to unmask]
Anne Morris recently installed a CheckPoint radio-frequency system.
Ann Abid is currently involved in planning a New Library to open in 2006 and
strongly suggests installing a security system as part of construction.
Ann referred me to an article she wrote in Art Doc., in the Winter 1991
issue: "Loss Liability: Risk, Responsibility, Recovery," pp. 185-187. The
section, p. 186, on "Electronic Security System," is still relevant and most
useful.
Ann also suggested librarians go to ALA, where all the Security System
vendors display their systems.
My institution only covers one conference/trip a year, so I can't do this,
but I'm working with the library security systems specialist working with
the consultant to our Head of Security. So, be creative if your institution
won't send you to ALA or ALA mid-Winter.
Dr. Jeffrey Weidman
Senior Librarian for Public Services and
Collection Development
Spencer Art Reference Library
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
4525 Oak Street
Kansas City, MO 64111-1873
Tel: 816-751-1215
FAX: 816-561-7154
E-mail: [log in to unmask]
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