Book Security System Use and Costs in Southwest Public Libraries

Abstract

A survey was conducted of large public libraries in the Southwest to assess either use of book security systems or information related to a decision not to use such a system. With a 75 percent response rate, most of the libraries (80 percent security systems, but very little information had been gathered as to ther effectiveness. Formalized cost-benefit analyses typically had not been conducted. False alarms had caused some public relations problems. However, security systems in the responding libraries had relatively few breakdowns. Results indicated that each library should have an individualized security program, considering the library's goals, budget, philosophy of service, staff and collection.