The University’s library staff is concerned for their safety and the safety of patrons due to a staffing shortage and lack of security.
Some of the staff’s concerns stem from the library’s policy of being open to the public. Since the addition of Internet services, public use of the library has increased and some patrons have accessed Web pages that offend others in the library.
“Without distinctions, we have had problems with threatening behavior and have called the police on a few occasions. There have been no serious injuries but we are definitely concerned,” said Stephen Bloom, director of University Libraries.
The number of staff at the Portland library has not increased since moving from the second floor of Luther Bonney Hall in 1993. The Glickman Library currently has four floors open. This increase in space often leaves only one staff member on each floor, and in the evening, the third and fourth floor are completely without staff.
The staff say there is no security besides random checks by USM Police, which, they say, are rare. They also feel this problem may become more serious with the planned expansion into the top three floors of the library next fall.
Carolyn Hughes, head of Acquisitions and Serials Services, is one staff member concerned for her safety and the safety of others in the library.
“Something could happen to someone on the fourth floor and no one would hear them yelling. There is no staff up there after 4:30 p.m., or even on the third floor sometimes. It is a burden on students if they are on an individual floor alone.”
The Gorham library is also understaffed and without security. On Friday and Saturday nights there is often only one student worker in the library and sometimes this student is the only person in the whole of Bailey Hall. USM Police do not check the library unless called.
“This is not satisfactory. Although our security problem is not nearly as serious as Portland’s, I have never seen the police come in here. We are down one staff member and often have to scramble if someone cannot come in to work,” said Ed Moore, circulation associate.
Another problem the library staff has is patrons’ lack of knowledge of what is appropriate and inappropriate behavior in the library. Library policy dictates that, “intentionally and unnecessarily exposing others to material they may find personally unsuitable” is unacceptable.
While the library has a policy for acceptable use of information resources, the policy is not posted anywhere in the library, only on its Web page. There are signs on all the computers warning users to follow University guidelines, but this could mean nothing to people who are not aware of those guidelines.
Hughes feels the situation could be improved if patrons of the library let staff know if someone is making them uncomfortable.
“If we don’t know about the problem then we can’t help,” she said. “We have had incidents of people blowing up because we had no chance to respond to the problem. Regardless of the seriousness, we need patrons to communicate with staff.”
The Glickman Library does have some security devices. The ceiling lights are turned on by motion, so if there is no one on a floor, the lights are not on. All doors have key locks and there are security phones throughout the building.
In comparison, the Portland Public Library has a full-time security guard on duty at all times. It also has surveillance cameras and a radio system at each station so the staff can stay in communication.
“We still run into trouble with people stealing audio/visual equipment and folks who become abusive if they think they are not being treated appropriately,” said Forrest Brown, a security guard at the Portland Public Library.
In hopes of resolving the security and staffing problems in the University’s library system, each library department is developing ideas of how they feel the library could become safer. They will also meet with USM Police to discuss the possibility of more police checks.
“We are concerned because the staff is having some problems dealing with disruptive behavior. We have no definite routine concerning the library but we check when we can and always respond to calls,” said Chief Lisa Beecher.
Hughes knows it will be difficult to find a solution to the staffing and security problems, but hopes it will be resolved soon.
“It is hard to balance the library for everyone. But, you know, all I want is a good, safe library – with lots of people in it.”
Staff Writer Kate Bucklin can be contacted at: [email protected]