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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:
1
Explain the problem to the patron.
2
Verify that all of the patron's library materials are properly checked out.
3
Allow 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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