NCJ Number
143581
Journal
Campus Law Enforcement Journal Volume: 23 Issue: 3 Dated: (May-June 1993) Pages: 27-29
Date Published
1993
Length
3 pages
Annotation
In 1989 the Southern Illinois University at Carbondale established a student library security force in order to prevent thefts and mutilation of library and student materials, as well as behavioral problems with student patrons.
Abstract
This article presents the perspectives of a senior library official and a member of the campus police on the success of the program. The library employed student security personnel; one guard was on duty during all open library hours, and a second guard came on duty at night. The responsibilities of the patrol were to be alert for property damage, disruptive behavior, and other violations of library rules, and to help in any emergency situation. The guards continuously patrolled the building; for the first six months, they wore uniforms to heighten awareness of the patrol, but then began to alternate wearing uniforms and plain clothes. In general, library staff and security personnel agreed the program was a success, but a lack of funding caused its termination, despite evidence that the patrol contributed to a decline in library-related offenses.