Case Studies in Library Security

by Bruce A. Shuman

This book employs a familiar vehicle in library literature―the case study―but in a departure from the expected, takes that time-honored genre into a new dimension. Shuman uses the conversational narrative as a vehicle for portraying 40 security and safety issues that may arise in libraries, disturbing or vexing patrons and library staff members, alike. Unlike the traditional narrative approach of other case study books, in this work, each case is presented as a soliloquy, within a fictional but plausible library situation, whereby the protagonist uses his or her own colorful mode of expression to describe not only what happened, but the thought processes that went into decisions reached, and how he or she felt about it afterwards. This approach is designed to make reading about library security not just informative but also interesting and fun to read. The case studies are accompanied by discussion questions.

225 pages, Paperback

First published October 17, 2002

Reviews

[Nativeabuse · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never understood why people steal from libraries. I mean the books are free anyway! What use are they after you read them? BUT people still do steal from libraries.

I got this book for information on door alarms for people trying to grab unchecked out books. But what I got was way way more than that.

Honestly this book was more interesting than useful. It was interesting to read about the libraries that actually have security guards standing around at the doors! I've never been to a library that had security guards or anything even close to that, but I guess some places might need it.

It does cover most things though so try it out if you are in need of some library security tips.

[Justen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kind of an interesting read with concepts that may or may not apply to your particular library. A lot of the concepts involved larger libraries, but some of the concepts still applied to all. I recommend this book to library workers that are curious about some topics and situations that may arise in today's library workplace with today's library visitors.