Walking Books
If I was around when they built my library I would have done a few things differently. One major thing is I would have limited the number of exits/entrances. I have three exits/entrances in my small library. I don't have a security system. First, it would be too expensive to cover three different locations. Second, there just isn't enough room.
The books seem to disappear just as I finish cataloging them, leaving only a cartoon puff of smoke where they briefly sat on the shelf. It causes me great frustration. What is the point of having a collection if it isn't available? I have beefed up my online textbook collection, but that doesn't keep things from going AWOL. People still would rather read the book than the computer screen.
Sometimes I think my books are as well traveled as the Travelocity Roaming Gnome, however they don't send me pictures of where they have been. I just see their battered condition after they have mysteriously been found on a study table.
I can't put all of the books on lock down in my small office, nor can I chain them to shelves. How can I provide the most recent print resources and keep them from disappearing? Or am just doomed to daydream about my own "special" anti theft devices for book thieves?
6 Comments:
Oh, boy, do I feel your pain. I'm struggling with the same thing, too. Recently, I sent *very polite* emails to some of the specialty department heads, requesting that they forward the message to their fellows and residents about our "missing" books. I included the cost of each title ($200+!) and let them know that if the books don't show up, we won't be ordering them again. They haven't returned yet, but I'm still hopeful. As for security systems, we may have a camera installed one day, but in the meantime, I'm still trying to think of other solutions, too!
We have a camera, but that is really only to help prevent my computers from walking. There is no way I can sit down each day and scroll through the tape to see if the books people are holding are mine and whether or not they have been checked it out.
My favorite security story is about the main library in a large state university in North Carolina. They had one public entrance/exit, and to get out, you had to show your books to the armed guard. I never actually saw the guard shoot anybody, but it was a remarkably effective way to deter theft. The hospital library I'm in now has a security system, but it also has 24-hour access, so although we can tell who's getting in, we don't always know what they're taking out.
I was sure nodding my head in agreement on this post. I work in a small nursing college, my collection is in one room, my office in an adjacent room. I too have no security to speak of. I finally had to purchase a 1000 dollar bookcase with glass locking doors for my most used "reserve" collection. The collection that was most often stolen. That has helped leaps and bounds. I also put up signs reminding everyone it was "their library". Don't know if it's helping or not. I know I still have stolen books :-(
Well, I have to post anonymously... Even with our security system, and a camera, and being locked after hours, someone (or group of people) managed to walk out with all but 2 of the 29 Mayo Clinic internal medicine board review DVDs. I guess where there's a will, there's a way....
For our most often replaced books, we have reverted to old-fashioned "blocks," with a newer twist. Blocks of wood in similar size to the volume with color photocopies of covers and spines glued on. Notice affixed: See library staff for actual item.
They must ask staff for item (held in staff office) and check it out at that time. This has helped with multiple replacements, but doesn't address the original "disappearance." It also limits availability when staff is not present after-hours. Oh well, it does help some...
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