We were a small library once upon a time, and we got a security system at about 80,000 volumes. I think you have to determine if you have a collection of value (for us, it is the genealogy collection, 80% of which is owned by the genealogy society), or a high theft rate. Each theft strip is 10 cents. Maintenance is about 10% of the cost of the equipment per year. So, let's say you have the gates at $16,000 and 10% per year on maintenance, over ten years this is about $3200 a year. If you don't have a specialized collection, do you lose $3200 worth of books a year right now, even if you calculate labor in addition to the regular book cost?
That is one consideration. We are securing less and less material, focusing on high value (genealogy, reference, non-fiction) and AV (higher theft) material. If fiction or children's books walk, that is fine. We weed a bit heavier in those areas, anyway. Regardless, we still have little loss in fiction. And, you have to consider if you'll actually stop and check people if the alarm goes off. Can't say we're even really good with that. We had a painting stolen recently, and it had a theft strip on it. No one caught it. So, think systemically in terms of cost, what you're trying to protect, and your policy on checking people. The best system is probably what some bookstores and video stores do-- you have to "run a gauntlet" of some type (an aisle, chute), and they hand you the material on the other side. If you do self-check out at some point, this all changes as there is no "gauntlet" to put into place. Oh, don't forget electrical costs, and if you do RFID, even higher costs for tags, but possible to move faster into RFID in the future. Good luck. Dale Ricklefs, Library Director Round Rock Public Library 216 E. Main Street, Round Rock, Texas 78664 512-218-7010; 218-7061 (fax); 669-1753 (cell); [EMAIL PROTECTED] -------------------------------------------------------------- Please note that our spam blocker blocks many emails, especially yahoo, gmail, and similar sites. You may get a "mailbox full" message. This means you have been blocked. Please call at one of the numbers above if you are having problems getting through. Thank you! -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Laurie Mahaffey Sent: Thursday, September 25, 2008 2:13 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [ctls-l] Book theft prevention systems If you can help Nancy out, she'd appreciate it. Thanks. Laurie -----Original Message----- From: Nancy Gilchrist [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, September 25, 2008 12:36 PM Subject: book theft prevention systems I wanted some information on systems that sound an alert if patrons leave with unchecked books. Do small libraries of our size find them cost effective? How cumbersome is it to scan each item checked out twice, have extra equipment on circ desk? I'd like your take. Nancy
