NCJ Number
91377
Journal
Library and Archival Security Volume: 3 Issue: 3/4 Dated: (Fall/Winter 1980) Pages: 125-137
Date Published
1980
Length
10 pages
Annotation
Crime in and against libraries is becoming a serious problem. Despite these developments, crime in libraries has been ignored by most social scientists studying crime.
Abstract
The factors making libraries high risk targets are discussed. Results from two statewide victimization surveys are presented. The implications of these findings and the direct and indirect costs of crime are examined. The impact of crime appears to affect not only the institution but the staff and patron as well. Damage to buildings, materials, and equipment was common in Massachusetts libraries. Vandalism against staff and patron automobiles and assaults against persons in the libraries is a serious problem. Several appropriate, low-cost prevention programs are suggested. (Author abstract)