3M 8800 Series owner manual Alarm log, Unwanted alarms

Alarm Scenario 1

The library staff does not unsecure a tagged item when checking out the patron's materials, or the patron accidentally removes tagged materials from the library.

After asking the patron to return to the counter, a typical response might be, "Excuse me, did I forget to check out one of your items?" or "Did you perhaps pick up one of the library's books with your own things?” These are courteous questions, and they don't accuse the patron of theft. Be sure to smile and ask the questions in a friendly, non-threatening manner.

Process and unsecure all items again. If you discover an item that hasn't been properly checked out, never accuse the patron of stealing. Simply act as if the error was an oversight—it more than likely was. If the patron causes the alarm to sound again, follow the policy that your library has established for possible theft of materials.

Alarm Scenario 2

A patron denies having any library materials or runs out of the library after sounding the alarm.

Follow your library's policy for theft.

Unwanted alarms

Your detection system is virtually free of false alarms. Occasionally your system may alarm and your staff may find that the patron does not have unauthorized library materials. Unwanted alarms may be caused by tags on items carried into the library such as books from another library.

Unwanted alarms are generally infrequent and will vary depending on the patrons and the proximity of your library to facilities that are releasing items containing tags. Because it is not possible to distinguish between unwanted alarms and alarms with potential item loss, all responses to alarms must be consistent and follow your management policies. If patrons see no response to alarms, the system becomes less effective. When you decide that a tag on an item from outside your library caused an alarm, follow these steps:

1Explain the problem to the patron.

2Verify that all of the patron's library materials are properly checked out.

3Allow the patron to exit the library.

Many patrons will learn from the experience and will not carry items that may cause alarms into the library.

Alarm log

The alarm log is used to keep a record of details involving alarms that occur. See the Detection System Alarm Log on page 11. For each alarm, record the information on the log. Keeping this log up-to-date provides a key tool for monitoring system activity. An up-to-date alarm log provides useful information for library management and your 3M service representative.

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