Measures to Minimise Book Losses:
Steep rise in cost of books, ill-organised Indian book market which makes replacement of lost material difficult, dependence on foreign publishers together With increasing tendency towards theft and mutilation lead us to give more serious thought to the security measures in libraries. Some of the measures adopted by the library may conflict with policy of efficient access to library materials. But the librarian is responsible also for preservation of library material for the future generation. Instead of adhoc measures such as installation of electronic theft detection mechanism, the Library must formulate a definite well spelled security policy. Some of the issues which should be made part of the policy are listed below:
- Security of collection including equipment's Closed/restricted access policy, appointment of guards, publicising penalty for theft and mutilation, property stamping, equipment tagging, locked storage facility for equipment, proper identification of users, after use procedure to determine damage if any to the equipments.
- Security of cash Provision of cash box, cash register, cash handling procedure and accountability.
- Computer based bibliographic and patron's records Terminal access/permission, password, back up type, disc/software, policy of off site
- location for back up data, microfilm duplicate records.
- Key policy and building security Procedure for issuing and reclaiming keys, periodic change of locks, silent alarms, adequate lighting, custodial services, access, window and book drop security.
- Liability and library stock insurance Adequate and moderately terrified photocopying services.
- increased reading hours, specially during examination days.