Security and Safety 101: Developing a Self-Help Guide for Your Library FLA 2013 Sarasota County Library System

Introduction Sarabeth Kalajian-Library System Director Today’s Topic-Being prepared for any security or safety situation! The Sarasota County Library System-Our library system! Are you ready for the next crisis??? Are you ready for the next crisis???

Security and Safety Challenges! Karen Geis - Librarian (Selby Library) and Safety PDQI Team Member The economy! Increases in medical and behavioral issues! Decreased staff! Code of Conduct!

Putting safety on everyone’s RADAR! Update security and safety procedures System wide approach and communication Start a list of topics Ask staff about safety concerns Research other library safety plans Ann Hall - Branch Manager (Venice Library) and Safety PDQI Team Member

Assistance from Sarasota County Public Safety Definitions: Peer Driven Quality Improvement (PDQI) Recommended Operating Guidelines (ROG) Emergency Services involvement When to use PDQI and ROG Describe set-up Scott Montgomery - Sarasota County Manager of Public Safety

ROG Template

Recommended Operating Guidelines Purpose/Background: Relevant background information & guidelines Scope: Intended audience & relevant procedures Prerequisites: Necessary tools, documents, and certifications needed before procedures Procedures: Step-by-step outline Roles & Responsibilities: Key personnel Training: How to obtain information about training

Monitoring Requirements: Defines need, frequency, and method of required assessment Record Management: Record management practices References: Additional resources Definitions: Highlight frequently used terms Recommended Operating Guidelines

Developing an ROG Present to staff with initial training Annual training Next round of topics Library Director Review ES ReviewFinal Product Topics Assigned ResearchDraft Library Safety Standing Committee Carolann Abramoff-Branch Manager (North Port Library) and Safety PDQI Team Member

The Final Version ROG

How it has helped! Train before the crisis:Refining the process: Being prepared Limited staff Example: Missing Child procedures Drills help refine the process Staff requested more drills than required Best practices from experts (Fire, Operators, & Law Enforcement)

Review Topics Research & Review Final Version TrainingRefine

What Library Staff Said... Thank you for creating easy-to-follow steps for difficult situations we often face. The training session was great - - especially the chance to ask questions and get clear, practical answers. The training session was just what we needed. Now we all know what to do – and we want to do the right thing. It feels good to be ready. Having the notebook makes it easy for new staff to learn what is expected. Safety is on my mind. It is good to have the guidelines that everyone follows. I never thought about the need for a lock-down in a library, but I think it could happen. Things have changed everywhere - not just in cities.

Contact Information Sarabeth Kalajian Scott Montgomery Ann Hall Carolann Abramoff t Karen Geis