[Web4lib] Laptop checkout security

[Rob Styles]

A simple and relatively inexpensive addition to the deposit mechanism
(keys, ID, cash, whatever) is a record of the individual. I don't work
in a library, but have seen this done other places with a Polaroid
camera. A photo is taken of the borrower which is then attached to the
deposit item and filed against the item being borrowed. In the event of
anything going missing you have a clear ID to hand to college
officials/law enforcement for investigation. Predominantly it removes
the feeling of anonymity the borrower may have.

rob

Rob Styles
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> -----Original Message-----
> From: web4lib-bounces at webjunction.org [mailto:web4lib-
> bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Bret Parker
> Sent: 08 February 2007 19:09
> To: Karen Schneider; web4lib at webjunction.org
> Subject: RE: [Web4lib] Laptop checkout security
> 
> I know someone eluded to knowing the students personally. That works
> well in a small environment.
> 
> Policies that work in a larger community would need to stretch beyond
> the keys to two or three points of verification.
> 
> In a former life at a Public Library in California:
>   1. Take keys or photo ID (DL) at the reference desk in exchange for
> patron use of Mitchell's or Chilton's manuals.
>   2. Library closes.
>   3. Reference staff locks up. Oops!  Here is a set of unclaimed keys
> in the drawer (and once in a while a DL).
>   4. Next day:  confirmed the auto repair manual was not returned, it
> never does get returned.
> 
> Lesson learned:
>    After a policy is in place, people who want to steal and see a low
> hurdle security system can and do steal. In this case, anonimity
(which
> is much more possible in a larger community) presented a clear
> opportunity for getting away with theft.
> 
> Better solution:
>  Take the ID or car or room keys and provide pointers to staff to
> verify that these are not fakes (e.g. if all dorm keys look alike,
> provide a photo of this).  Write that into the procedure. But also
> record the transaction (either in the ILS, another computer systems,
or
> a paper-based system -- whatever works).
> 
> >>> "K.G. Schneider" <kgs at bluehighways.com> 2/7/2007 7:52:40 PM >>>
> >  Why not take their ID or even car/room keys?  If they want to use a
> > laptop they will comply wit the request.  We require students to
> leave
> > their ID card with us when they borrow course reserve materials.  If
> we
> > ever decide to have a formal program to loan out our laptops we
would
> go
> > the same route.  Our laptops are now used mostly for instruction.
> > Clearly labeling them is a must.
> >
> > Bill Drew
> > drewwe at morrisville.edu
> 
> Bill, you bring up an interesting point about consistency across
> policies.
> We'll look into that as well. Thanks!
> 
> K.G. Schneider
> kgs at bluehighways.com
> 
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