Thank you for all of the responses I received re: 24 hour access. A number
of you asked me to summarise responses for the list, so here goes:

1 library has its own security man on duty outside the library until 10pm;
after which security dept needs to be contacted to both open up the library
& remain with the user until they have finished using the library (library
contributes to salary of said security man, with the Trust paying remainder
of salary).

Some libraries have access by key, with the user signing key out-thereby a
record is kept of use (though does not prevent them from passing the key on
to others)

Swipe card access in conjunction with CCTV linked directly to security depts
appears to be quite a popular method of approach..with some swipe card
systems having emergency door release buttons (connected to alarm system).
Although if security are engaged in an emergency elsewhere - it cannot be
guaranteed that they can respond to libraries quickly on all occasions.

Commercially available system of CCTV ensures that if any security gates are
activated, the culprit is caught on CCTV for follow up later by library
staff.

Some libraries have installed panic buttons linked directly to security
depts

It was recommended that a complete risk assessment of offering this service
should be carried out and presented to the Trust Board to take the final
decision on the provision of the service.

Library users who want access out of 'hours' are made to sign compliance
with 'out of hours' regulations, stating amongst other things, that they are
responsible for their own safety.


Hope that this is helpful to anyone else considering this at the moment.
Jo Thomas
Library Manager, Northern Lincolnshire & Goole Hospitals NHS Trust (Grimsby
Site)
E-Mail: [log in to unmask]
Telephone: (01472) 875275; (01472) 874111 ext 7298
Fax: (01472) 875329

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