Below is a posting from Kanlib-L by Pete Daniels, Library Director at Independence Public Library. Pete gave me permission to post this to KLAblog! I bet some of you out there has some opinions about his predicament and I think we could all benefit from hearing the views on this issue.
We are asking the library board to authorize a new library position for a security guard for the after school period on weekdays. We are so out gunned by middle school kids that we are losing regular adult customers and putting staff at-risk of physical harm and psychological damage as we try to put out fires and maintain control. These difficult kids are a serious problem to the whole community and we are neither equipped nor willing to address their needs. The only course of action I can see it to keep the trouble-makers out of the building and off library grounds so we can provide a safe and businesslike atmosphere for those who want to use our facilities in a manner that conforms to our Behavior Policy.
Anyway, my reason for posting is to ask who else has resorted to hiring a security person, will you share the job description and rates of pay, and how has the person worked out?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Pete Daniels, Library Director
Independence Public Library
Tags: afterschool, library issues, security guards
