To read this content please select one of the options below:

A dangerous occupation? Violence in public libraries

Sarah Farrugia (Sarah Farrugia is Resourcing Assistant with Cheshire Constabulary, Chester, UK.)

New Library World

ISSN: 0307-4803

Article publication date: 1 October 2002

2169

Abstract

Outlines the problem of violence in British public libraries, where incidents commonly involve problem groups from drunks to unruly youths to irate patrons. The problem can be more extreme in US libraries with several librarians being killed, in a country that averages 20 workplace murders each week. Current feelings amongst library staff are of managerial apathy and a reluctance to tackle the problem with appropriate resources. Discusses the reasons for violence and suggests measures that can be employed to reduce the threat and deal with incidents if they occur. Risk assessment is the crucial first step in this process and risk management strategies should follow. This should incorporate security measures and staff training. Results of a survey of library workers carried out in 2001 to gauge a random “snapshot” view of violence in libraries is discussed and compared to a similar survey undertaken in 1995 by McGrath.

Keywords

Citation

Farrugia, S. (2002), "A dangerous occupation? Violence in public libraries", New Library World, Vol. 103 No. 9, pp. 309-319. https://doi.org/10.1108/03074800210445444

Publisher

:

MCB UP Ltd

Copyright © 2002, MCB UP Limited

Related articles