How the system works

Your 3M detection system consists of several components, which include Tattle-Tape security strips, circulation accessories, and the detection system.

The key to the effectiveness of your system is protecting your materials with Tattle-Tape security strips. Only when materials are protected can your detection system detect someone trying to leave your library without properly checking out items.

The primary zone of detection between two lattices extends from 6 in. [15 cm] above the surface of the floor to 72 inches [1,82 m] above the floor. The electronic coverage in this area is not 100% and it will vary with the options you have and the type of 3M security strips/markers you use. However, the rate of detection from 6 in. [15 cm] above the surface of the floor to 72 inches [1,82 m] above the floor is effective to deter the loss of protected materials.

Checking out materials is accomplished using desensitizers to “turn off” the strips while resensitizers are used to “turn on” the strips when materials are returned to the library. This allows for full circulation of all library materials.

The 3M detection systems are designed to detect sensitized 3M Tattle-Tape security strips and then sound an alarm, thus preventing unauthorized removal of library materials.

It is this simple:

•Mark the materials.

•Circulate the materials using desensitizers and resensitizers.

•Listen for the detection system alarm to sound when unauthorized removal of materials occurs. It is also important to watch for suspicious actions such as holding materials above the head or moving items around the lattices when passing through the detection system.

3M offers several models of detection systems to meet your library’s needs. See the next section for details on the models you may have.