Working Alone: Personal Safety and Security in Hospital Libraries

Abstract

The University of Manitoba hospital libraries are located throughout Winnipeg and are mainly staffed by two people. A number of incidents took place in the hospital libraries that necessitated a review of the University of Manitoba policy for working alone and the creation of a working alone policy specifically for the hospital libraries. This article discusses changes in library use and the security implications, provides examples of security incidents, and outlines the development of a working alone policy and procedure for the hospital libraries. It also includes the policy that was developed for the lone worker.

Keywords:

• hospital libraries
• hospital library safety policy
• hospital library safety procedure
• hospital library security
• lone worker
• safety policy
• safety procedure
• working alone

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Ethelinda Padua, the WRHA Workplace Safety & Health Coordinator, for her input and advice. The authors also thank the Section Heads of the HSL who reviewed the policy and made suggestions.