An account of library devastation during the Nigerian Civil War. (Author)

An effective systems librarian must understand security vulnerabilities and be proactive in preventing problems. Specifics of future attacks or security challenges cannot possibly be anticipated, but this paper suggests some simple measures that can be taken to make attacks less likely to occur: program the operating system to get automatic…

This article presents a research study on who is stealing bound copies of physical education materials and why they do it. (JA)

As educational and cultural centers, public libraries are in the mainstream of American life. Persistent library crime, such as pilferage, theft and vandalism, represents much more than financial loss. It deprives the public of access to irreplaceable books, rare manuscripts and other reference materials. Equally important, it inflicts hardships…

Discusses how libraries can deal with criminal and disruptive behavior, including vandalism, theft, and threats toward individual safety. Security measures proposed and/or implemented by various public and academic libraries, and the Library of Congress, are highlighted. Also included are a list of crisis prevention tips and suggestions for…

A discussion of fire risks, causes, prevention, and salvage in libraries is presented in text and photographs. A description of some historic library fires demonstrates the value of adequate protection and preparedness programs to minimize loss and damage. The need for fire retardant construction and protection from valdalism and arson are…

Reviews nature of criminal activity in libraries in context of two criminological theoretical groupings: psychological theories (encompasses criminological attention to individual psychological traits), and sociological theories (examines ways in which societies are structured and how structures might generate crime). Some strategies of prevention…