[Circulation] Security Issues

[Suzanne Karanikis]

Hi Everyone,

The librarians are concerned that we may be losing library materials. 
The security gate sounds often, and circulation staff either wave the 
patrons through or desensitize library materials without verifying 
that they are checked out.  Therefore, we are going to tighten up our 
security procedures.  When a patron beeps while walking through the 
security gate, please ask them to come back to the desk, and ask to 
see if they have any library items in their possession.  Verify that 
the items are checked out by using the function D ( Display Holds on 
a Title),  and scanning the item's barcode.  You will see who the 
item is checked out to (if at all) regardless of whether or not there 
are holds on it.  This is the easiest way to look at individual 
items, as it may be too difficult to view the item record of a patron 
who has more than 10 current checkouts.  Please remember that we are 
using this function as a verification, and it is never appropriate to 
divulge the name of a borrower to other patrons.  It is still ok to 
desensitize non-library books, since this will stop patrons from 
beeping each time they exit the library.  Lastly, please do not tell 
patrons to hold their bags over their heads if they continue to beep 
- we do not want to publicize this tactic!

Please contact me if you have questions about this policy.

Suzanne

Suzanne Karanikis
Circulation Specialist
Harold F. Johnson Library Center
Hampshire College
893 West Street
Amherst, MA 01002
phone 413-559-5762
fax 413-559-5419
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