Analytical Approaches Used in a Library Security Study

• NCJ Number: 93341
• Journal: Library and Archival Security Volume: 5 Issue: 4 Dated: (Winter 1983) Pages: 53-67
• Author(s): F E Smith
• Date Published: 1983
• Length: 15 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

A security assessment at Westminster College used the following types of approaches to determine that an electronic security system was needed for each of its libraries: statistical, monetary, cost-benefit, and non-monetary.

Abstract

The statistical approach was used to establish the library loss rate. This involved an inventory of the total collection of the main and science libraries. Additionally, specific analyses focused on the annual loss rate for books and periodicals, the loss rate of recently acquired books and periodicals, the loss rate of books and periodicals with newer publication dates, and the loss rate of books in one of the library's high-use areas. The monetary analysis consisted of converting the loss figures into dollar figures. This involved determining the dollar equivalent of all materials reported lost, interpreting this amount as only the initial figure and then refining it in various ways, and then taking into account associated staff costs. Once the monetary costs of not having the collection secured had been established, the next step was to provide a cost-benefit analysis of an electronic security system. This involved determining whether or not the cost of a security system is less than the cost of replacing lost materials. Once the costs of electronic security and lost materials were established, five comparisons were made between the two: (1) comparison of initial cost of both systems to the cost of past losses for the entire library, (2) comparison of initial cost of each system to the cost of past losses for each library, (3) comparison of initial cost of both systems to cost of current annual losses for entire library, (4) comparison of initial cost of each system to the cost of current annual losses for each library, and (5) comparison of total annual cost of the two systems after the first year to the cost of current annual losses for the entire library. The final security-assessment component involved determining the non-monetary impact of lost materials -- the impact on those who use the library, on the librarians, and on the library as an institution. The conclusion of the assessment was that an electronic security system was needed for each library. Tabular data and 13 footnotes are provided.