Library AV Registration Process?

[Bryan Schwegler]

I think that what Ken is trying to say, politely and with big words, is that if we don't put up really stringent safeguards, the A/V stuff will get stolen in a heartbeat. And that maybe Orange or even Avon Lake can afford to replace that stuff but we can't. Am I close?

Geez Bryan....

Tim I get what Ken is trying to say. What I'm trying to say is that I believe there are alternatives or at least the need for some flexibility.

I don't disagree with the need to safeguard the collection, I just disagree with the approach being done to do so. It goes against what I think a "public" library should be doing. And unless I'm mistaken, it's my right as a taxpayer to disagree and voice my opinion on the way my money is being spent.

I think Ken is a brilliant director and my comments on this one issue don't undermine that belief or my trust in Ken. It also shouldn't be construed to take away from the outstanding job the entire library staff does on a daily basis. I just happen to not agree with this one issue.

[Jim O'Bryan]

I don't disagree with the need to safeguard the collection...

I think Ken is a brilliant director and my comments on this one issue don't undermine that belief or my trust in Ken. It also shouldn't be construed to take away from the outstanding job the entire library staff does on a daily basis. I just happen to not agree with this one issue.

Bryan,

Maybe these draconian(not really) methods are in place while a better system can be done. I was speaking with Ken just last week about production of id cards and where that technology is.

The fact is as pointed out here we have no idea what is successful or not in libraries. What I do know is that many, many, many libraries are being ripped off for a lot of stock. CDs and DVDs make easy target, and are far to easy to sell when stolen. On my way to coffee throughout the day at Phoenix, it is amazing what I see. Guys opening their trunks to garbage bags of CDs. I always think, had they bought them they would be in boxes not garbage bags, wonder where they came from?

At the same time I know this is not the only "security" issue faced by the library day in and day out. So this measure might be part of a larger security issue. I have no idea, just a thought.

As you have used an extreme but plausible scenario for an out of towner needing a CD or DVD, I would encourage those same people to walk the street, enjoy our parks and entertainment, watch local TV, sit on the porch and visit the people they came to see.

What can I say I am a total homer.

.

[Jeff Endress]

Perception is not always reality. While other libraries, or retail establishments opt for less invasive measures of security, I don’t think that it is appropriate to conclude that their methods necessarily resolve either their materials theft problems or would resolve LPL’s similar problems. In point of fact, the actual conclusion to be drawn is not from observation of the measures undertaken, but rather from discussions with the Boards and Staff involved. And the conclusion, in reality, is that many libraries (and retail establishments) accept increasing levels of theft as a price of doing business. They accept this cost over the impact of more stringent measures that carry with them a measure of inconvenience and potential patron dissatisfaction. But the costs of this acceptance is one that is borne by the taxpayers who pay for the materials which are stolen, There is an additional cost, difficult to quantify. Those who would steal the public resources of any Library are looking for an easy mark. And an easy mark serves as an attraction for others of their ilk causing a general degradation of the civility of the institution. The unwelcoming nature of the AV security measures is certainly inconvenient for our loyal patrons, including me. But I’m willing to accept it as part and parcel of showing those who would disrespect that which our taxpayers have financed are unwelcome.

Jeff

[Bill Call]

..... There is an additional cost, difficult to quantify. Those who would steal the public resources of any Library are looking for an easy mark. And an easy mark serves as an attraction for others of their ilk causing a general degradation of the civility of the institution.

That is spot on. Which is why a tough TBUL policy is needed, (That behaviour is unacceptable in Lakewood). The City has every right to demand civilized behaviour.

[Toni Northrop]

I was offended, honestly, when I was told that my children had to wait downstairs if I want to go into the AV section. I'm more than a little uncomfortable leaving my kids unsupervised especially my little girl. Anyone over age six has to wait downstairs if they don't have a library card on them or id and I was kind of shocked that it was ok to do that. I support the library 100% but I now consider this section to be off limits. There are still some staff training issues there that really need to be addressed.