INFS 326: COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT Lecturer: Mrs. Florence O. Entsua-Mensah, DIS Contact Information: fentsua-mensah@ug.edu.gh
Lecture Overview Library Security involves procedures in human behaviour, material mutilation and material loses. Whiles building the collection of the library, it is also important to make plans for its maintenance. Security plays a key role in maintaining the collections of the library. The lecture session discourses on some of the persistent and trendy security issues that libraries face, especially in developing countries. 2
Lecture Outline This session will cover the following topics: Topic 1: Library Security Topic 2: Threats to Information Resources in a Library Topic 3: Mitigating against threats to information resources 3
Reading List Omosekejimi, A. F., Ijiekhuamhen, O. P., & Ojeme, T. N. (2015). Library and information resources security: traditional and electronic security measures. International Journal of Academic Research and Reflection. 3(3). pp. 45-56. Usman, P. (2013). Security Management for Prevention of Book Thefts in University Libraries. a Case Study of Benue State University Library, Nigeria. 4
Library Security Topic One Lecturer: Florence O. Entsua- Mensah (Mrs.) 5
Library Security 6 Library Security involves procedures in human behaviour, material mutilation and material loses. Securing library materials may be in the form of protection of the library and its collections from theft, vandalism and delinquent behaviour.
Threats to Information Resources in a Library Topic Two Lecturer: Florence O. Entsua- Mensah (Mrs.) 7
Threats & Vulnerabilities The main categories of threats in a library include: Theft Delinquent behaviours Vandalism 8
Theft Reasons for theft of information resources: Selfishness Laziness Forgetfulness. Compulsion (e.g. bibliokleptomaniac) The compact and attract nature of some books 9
Book Theft 10 Biblioklept A thief who steals books (ODLIS, 2004). When library collections are targeted, biblioklepts are considered problem patrons (Reitz, 2002). NB: An overdue book is considered lost until it is returned to the library.
Reasons for Book Theft contd. 11 Audio-visuals and electronic materials in libraries are often not well supervised. Libraries do not often send thieves to court. They just caution them, suspend or sack them from the use of the services of the library. (non-prosecution on the part of Librarians)
Types of Book Thieves 12 Generally, libraries encounter the following types of book thieves: The thief who steals books for his own use. The thief who steals in anger to destroy. The thief who steals to sell for profit. The casual thief who steals when an opportunity presents itself.
Delinquent behaviour in libraries - 1 13 Delinquent behaviour is common in all types of libraries. However, the extent of occurrence of each behaviour may differ by type of library. Some of the common behaviours are: Mutilation of library materials. Making excessive noise in the library.
Delinquent behaviour in libraries - 2 Hiding books in the library. Keeping overdue materials. Refusal to pay fines. Eating in the library. Reserving seats unjustifiably. Disorderly conduct. Indecent dressing.
Delinquent behaviour in libraries - 3 Drunkenness in the library. Smoking in the library. Sleeping in the library. Writing in books. Using other patrons library tickets. Use of prohibited materials like mobile phones in the library.
Areas prone to delinquent behaviour Stack area Serial section Toilet Carrels
Vandalism in Library Vandalism is an intentional act of destruction or defacement of property not one s own.
Some Common acts of Vandalism in libraries: Acquisitive vandalism Tactical vandalism Ideological Vandalism Play Vandalism Malicious vandalism
Acquisitive vandalism Destroying library property to acquire some money.
Tactical vandalism Destroying library property to prevent other people from using them. Example; tearing pages off books.
Ideological Vandalism Destroying library materials because of religious, social or political reasons destroying books written about a particular religion. 21
Play Vandalism Destroying of library materials for fun. Example; writing or drawing funny things in library books. 22
Malicious vandalism Destroying library materials out of anger or frustration. Example; during demonstrations. 23
Securing information resources in a library Topic Three Lecturer: Florence O. Entsua- Mensah (Mrs.) 24
Security Measures in Libraries It is common to have security staff at the entrance and exits of libraries to check users. Some libraries do not allow users to carry bags, parcels, and outside books inside the library.
In some libraries, clothing such as overcoats and gowns are not allowed in them. Some libraries secure the very important books under close supervision.
Some libraries undertake close personal search on suspected users. Cheaper facilities for photocopying can also be provided in libraries. More copies of popular books should be provided for users. It may also be necessary to extend the period for borrowing library materials. 27
28 There is the need for an alert and efficient staff in the library. Some libraries are now using security cameras to prevent theft. It may also be necessary to search library staff to avoid insider theft. There are electronic book detectors now used to detect stolen books.
To Conclude Due to the continuing emergence of security exploits, tools and techniques and ongoing diligence is required to keep informed of security developments. As well as the constant upgrade of software and hardware especially in a digital library environment.
Activity 10.1 How secured is the University s library? Discussed the aforestatement within the context of collection development, highlighting relevant threats and vulnerabilities that the collections (i.e. both electronic and print) may be exposed to. 30
References Bello, M. A. (1998) "Library security, materials theft and mutilation in technological university libraries in Nigeria", Library Management, Vol. 19 Issue: 6, pp.379-383, https://doi.org/10.1108/01435129810221001 Omosekejimi, A. F., Ijiekhuamhen, O. P., & Ojeme, T. N. (2015). Library and information resources security: traditional and electronic security measures. International Journal of Academic Research and Reflection. 3(3). pp. 45-56. Reitz, J. M. (2002). ODLIS: Online Dictionary of Library and Information Science. Usman, P. (2013). Security Management for Prevention of Book Thefts in University Libraries. a Case Study of Benue State University Library, Nigeria. 31