READIT-2007 - Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research

to have access to restricted areas. The access system also can be used for monitoring
employee time and attendance, security patrols of the property, and can limit access to
sensitive areas, information, or equipment. It has been proved that electronic access
control systems enhance safety and protect valuable library assets.
Video surveillance
Nowadays video surveillance and closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems
serve as a way to monitor and record security, deter crime, and ensure safety in
academic libraries. Advances in CCTV technology and reduction in costs have also
made video surveillance a cost-effective management tool for academic libraries.
Academic libraries can use CCTV to identify visitors and employees, monitor work
areas, deter theft, and ensure the security of the premises and other facilities. The
system can also be used to monitor and record evidence on clientele and employee
misconduct. CCTV systems are quickly becoming one of the most important and
economical security and safety tools available to libraries.
8. PROS AND CONS OF ESS
Electronic Security Systems (ESS) were felt by the majority of library
authorities to be effective in reducing levels of theft, and cost effective too and they
offer the following advantages.
• Effective in reducing levels of theft of library materials
• Effective in controlling the unethical practices within the Library premises
• Cost effective
• Easy to install and maintain
Though the ESS offers many advantageous, it is not affordable to all libraries
as installation and maintenance of such systems require huge money. However, while
considering the value of library materials, it is the need of the hour to install such
systems to prevent unethical losses occurred in academic libraries.
9. CONCLUSION
Academic libraries should create and implement security policies, procedures
and plans in an effective and efficient manner. As the price of books and journals is
rising exponentially, and the libraries are to diversify into other expensive ‘non-book’
materials, not forgetting the latest technology, it is the need of the hour to the
academic library to consider installation of electronic security systems to prevent and
minimize the unethical losses occurred to the academic library collections. Further,
there is no point in spending millions of rupees on new acquisitions of information
resources without installing such security systems.
REFERENCES
1. American Library Association. "Guidelines Regarding Thefts in Libraries." (2005).
Available at http://www.ala.org/ala/acrl/acrlstandards/guidelinesregardingthefts. htm
(Accessed 05-06-2007)-
2. Brown, K.E. and Patkus, B.L. (2003). “Collections Security: Planning and Prevention
for Libraries and Archives.” Available at http://www.nedcc.org/plam3/tleaf312.htm
(Accessed 01-06-2007)
3. Burrows, J. and Cooper, D. (1992). “Theft and Loss from UK Libraries:
116