3M 8800 Series owner manual Hands-on practice, Review of your librarys security policies

Hands-on practice

After reviewing this manual, your staff will benefit from actual hands-on experience with the detection system products they are expected to use. We suggest you start by demonstrating the proper techniques for each tagging procedure. You may wish to conduct the actual practice as follows:

1Make sure that all the other 3M Library Systems products are installed and functional.

2Let each staff member practice installing the tags on library items.

3Let each staff member practice securing and unsecuring materials.

Review of your library's security policies

Before practicing how to respond to alarms, staff should be familiar with the library's security policies as they relate to theft of materials. To help staff stay informed of security measures, your policy should be in writing and kept with your training kit along with any other procedures you follow.

It is particularly important for staff members to know what procedures the library follows when theft is suspected or when it is necessary to contact a local law enforcement agency.

A critical phase of staff training concerns the proper steps to take when the security system alarm sounds. The value of tact and courtesy when handling this delicate situation cannot be overemphasized. Your staff members should receive as much preparation as possible to make them feel comfortable. With the proper training, your staff will be more likely to effectively deal with patrons who activate the alarm.

What to do when the alarm sounds

The following steps are suggested procedures only. We recommend that all staff develop a complete understanding of the library's policies and follow them as directed. The response should be consistent for all patrons caught in an alarm. It is also important that staff become familiar with state and local laws governing patrons' rights and responsibilities.

3M offers these guidelines:

Responding to alarms is a sensitive situation but can be handled confidently and effectively as long as your library has established procedures and your staff members are fully trained in following them.

First, don't panic. Remain calm and courteous. You can't be positive that the person who triggered the alarm is stealing. Never accuse anyone of theft by word, by facial expression, or by tone of voice. The alarm may have been triggered accidentally, so always respond in a positive, non-threatening manner.

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