Computer underground Digest Wed Oct 14, 1998 Volume 10 : Issue 51
File 3--REVIEW: "Management of Library and Archive Security", Robert K.
From: "Rob Slade, doting grandpa of Ryan and Trevor" <rslade@sprint.ca>
BKMNLASC.RVW 980804
"Management of Library and Archive Security", Robert K. O'Neill, 1998,
0-7890-0519-0, U$29.95
%E Robert K. O'Neill
%C 10 Alice Street, Binghampton, NY 13904-1580
%D 1998
%G 0-7890-0519-0
%I The Haworth Press Inc.
%O U$29.95 800-429-6784 fax: 800-895-0582 getinfo@haworth.com
%P 120 p.
%T "Management of Library and Archive Security"
This appears to be a hardcover "co-print" of Volume 25, Number 1, of the
Journal of Library Administration. It talks about a wide range of
security related issues, but also has significant weak points and holes in
the coverage. Organization is random, with poor division according to the
titular subject of the different papers. The organization also appears to
be exactly backwards, with the first essay looking at what to do *after*
you've been robbed, and the last discussing policy.
Both quality and style vary from paper to paper. Those sections that do
deal with law enforcement and reporting relate strictly to the United
States, with one token mention of a British reporting group. While a
number of important areas are touched on, and a good deal of useful
information is given, it may be hard to find, or find again. The article
on security, for example, does not provide practical details of patron
access to highly secured special collections, although both the articles
on audit and policies do address specific features and points. On the
other hand, the piece that does address the need to provide lockers for
patrons forced to leave coats and bags outside the reading room is not
followed up with the greater necessity for similar provisions for staff
facing the same restrictions.
The article on the aftermath of a theft will probably be useful to those
who are panicked by the first such occurrence. The material provides
good, practical advice for those in the emotional throws of the event,
although most of it is simple common sense. The paper on audit, on the
other hand, says very little about auditing, and the content is does
contain is theoretical and abstruse. Law enforcement gets a folksy
treatment, and, in similar fashion to the first essay, seems to
concentrate on calming nerves. Some advice on the issue of records and
evidence useful in court might have been helpful. A recounting of a case
recovering illegally transported artifacts is interesting, but serves
primarily to remind managers of the importance of communication with
colleagues and the range of law enforcement agencies. The single paper on
security itself emphasizes preservation from the elements and makes only a
token mention of active security against theft and none against fraud.
The final article on security policies gives much practical advice on a
variety of matters, but doesn't really address policy. Given the current
importance of both library management systems and electronic access to
collections and other information resources I find it significant that
none of the essays discuss data security.
As a short introduction to a specialty topic this has its place, but those
seeking a complete resource will be disappointed.
copyright Robert M. Slade, 1998 BKMNLASC.RVW 980804
-o-
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Received on Fri Oct 16 08:19:37 1998