Security Considerations for Archives: Rare Book, Manuscript, and Other Special Collections.

The first of six sections in this guide to security for special collections in archives and libraries discusses the importance of security and the difficulty of preventing theft of archival materials. The second section, which focuses on planning, recommends an inservice training program for staff, a planned communications network between library staff and police or security personnel, and cooperation with book dealers and collectors to identify book "fences." The contents of the inservice program are outlined, and the impact of the security system on patrons, the determination of which collections need to be protected, and the security of the building itself are considered. Various types of security equipment are described in the third section, including locking systems, security alarms, surveillance equipment, and guards. The pros and cons of each type of system are considered. Fire and water hazards are addressed in the fourth section, and criteria for evaluating fire protection are suggested. The fifth section discusses the legal aspects of the problem and suggests five questions that the administrator may wish to present to an attorney. A brief concluding statement in the sixth section reiterates the fact that, although electronic and legal tools are becoming available to archivists, the best security and surveillance systems are the diligence of staff members and the administrator's resolve to prosecute all crimes against the archives. A written statement of reference area rules, and regulations and guidelines for marking rare books, manuscripts, and other special collections are appended. (11 references) (BBM)