Personal Safety Tips

1. If you are carrying a wallet, keep it in a front pocket.
2. Be sure to walk in well-lit, highly-traveled streets…even during daytime hours. Never take shortcuts through parking lots or alleys.
3. If walking on a sidewalk near a street, always walk facing the traffic to avoid being surprised by someone in a vehicle.
4. If someone is walking behind you or approaching you and you are unsure of their intent, make direct eye contact with them to let the person know that you are aware, you see them and you are not a victim.
5. If you think you are being followed, abruptly switch directions or duck into a police station, fire station, hospital, business or public place and ask for help.
6. In your cell phone contacts, program “ICE,” which stands for “in case of emergency,” linking it to a family member or friend…someone you trust the police, firemen or other authorities to call if you are unable to call for yourself.
7. Program 9-1-1 into your direct dial feature of your cell phone.
8. Remember that talking on your cell phone or listening to headphones in public makes you easy prey.
9. Change your walking routine by planning different routes and take note of “safe places” you could go should something happen.
10. When approaching your home or vehicle, never fumble in your pocket, purse or bag for keys; have them in your hand prior to reaching the door.
11. When approaching your parked car, look and make sure no one is hiding in or around your vehicle, especially in the back seat.
12. When on public transportation, cover your jewelry. Turn stone rings toward the palm side of your hand.
13. Keep your space: intimate space = 0 to 1.5 feet; personal space = 1.5 to 4 feet; social space = 4 to 12 feet; and public space = 12 feet or more

No HOODIES at RPL

It's that time of year when our patrons will be coming in with clothing apparel that has a hood. Hoodies are not allowed to be worn inside RPL. So if you see a patron with their hoodie on please ask them to take it down while they are inside the library. Below are examples of how you can approach the patron.

Excuse me ma'am/sir you probably didn't realize, but you won't be allowed to wear your hoodie while inside the library.

Excuse me ma'am/sir you probably didn't know, but hoodies aren't allowed to be worn inside the library so would you please keep it down while your here.

Sometimes you can just use a hand gesture to the patron to take it down and they will comply.

Always give the patron a few minute when they come in to remove their hoodie themselves. Most patrons will wear their hoodie up as their coming in, but will remove it soon after they have arrived. If it appears that the patron is going to continue to wear it please approach the patron and inform them about our policy.

Know this policy and be confident in enforcing it!

 Knowledge = Confidence

Absolutely NO consumption of food is allowed at RPL

Disruptive and Unacceptable Behavior Policy # 9 - No consumption of food, except in designated areas;

This is just a reminder that this policy applies to our patron, but it also applies to staff. There are designated areas in all departments where we can eat our snacks. It makes it very difficult to enforce policies when Patrons see us breaking them.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Pokemon Go

Our Libraries have become a hotbed for Pokemon Go. Due to this we are experiencing high volume of traffic. I had a concern patron yesterday who alerted staff to a person she felt was acting strange outside the library and wanted me to go check it out. When I went out to observed this person I realized that he was a "trainer" tracking down a Pocket Monster. 

If a patron has concerns, checkout the situation. If it does turn out to be a person or a group of people wondering outside or inside tracking down Pokemon, educate yourself about the game so you can explain whats going on for the concerned patron.

Always check out any situation that alarms our patrons.

This is a good thing for the library because it's bringing people to us. Lets embrace this.


http://galaxybookjockey.tumblr.com/post/147240001718/everything-librarians-need-to-know-about-pokemon

Safety In Numbers

Just a reminder, as a safety precaution we all walk out together at closing after Security, Management or Librarian in Charge gives the okay.

It's important we look out for each other insuring that all staff gets to their vehicles safely. 

A few safety tips.

• Watch for suspicious persons.
• Sense danger, go back inside.
• Have your keys out and ready to unlock your vehicle.
• Check out your vehicle from a distance.
• Look into your car before entering.
• Quickly get inside your vehicle.
• Lock all doors and start the engine.
• Look around as you adjust yourself to drive.

Knowing The Policy Series - display of obscene or pornographic images on library computers;

Do you know Rowan Public Library's

 Disruptive Behavior Policy Statement???

For the next coming weeks I will be highlighting them on the Security Tips Blog.

Any comments or questions you may have you can email me at:

tara.greene@rowancountync.gov

23. display of obscene or pornographic images on library computers; 

This is a policy that is commonly broken.

Tips on how to handle a patron who has broken this policy:

If you witness a patron looking at inappropriate images on our computer or on his/her device approach the patron and inform them of this policy. 

Adult (16 or older)
1st offence - Warning
2nd offence - Internet Ban for 6 months

Children (under 16)
1st offence - Warning 
                     Call the child's parents/guardian and notify them of                          the child's infraction. Allow the parent/guardian to                            decide whether the child will be allowed to use the                            internet unattended in the future.
2nd offence - Internet Ban until child turns 16 years of age.
                      Until then, the child may use the internet in the                                 library only with parent/guardian.

If a patron has violated this policy and has been banned from the computer lab they are still allowed to bring their own device in and use the internet wifi. But if this patron violates the policy while using our wifi they will be BANNED from all Rowan Public Library locations for 6 months. 

Know this policy and be confident in enforcing it!

 Knowledge = Confidence

How to handle situations involving a patron when they have broken one of the disruptive behavior policies.

Did you know, being respectful defuses anger?

Patrons are not always aware that they are breaking policy, so you should always approach them as if they didn't know that they were.

Below are some examples on how to handle situations involving a patron when they have broken one of the disruptive behavior policies. You should always approach a patron in a quiet polite tone, be courteous and try not to embarrass them.

If a patron is being disruptive by the tone of their voice, approach them by saying in a hushed tone, "Excuse me, sir.  You probably don't realize how loud your conversation is, but would you mind lowering your voice?"

If a patron is being disruptive by using their cell phone, you should approach them in a polite way by saying, "Excuse me, ma'am.  You probably don't realize it, but we can hear your conversation at the desk.  Do you mind walking outside to finish your call?" Or you could direct them to a closed off space like a study room and say, "Do you mind finishing your phone call in here?  It would be more private for you to finish your call and you probably don't want everyone listening in."

Most of the time patrons are not aware of how loud they are talking, and some may have disabilities that may cause them to speak in a high volume.

Here are a few more examples on how to approach patrons:

"Excuse me, sir.  I'm not sure if you are aware, but you cannot wear your hood up while inside the library."

"Excuse me, ma'am.  You probably didn't realize food isn't allowed inside the library.  Do you mind eating outside or in a designated area?" and then inform the patron where the designated areas are located.

"Excuse me, sir.  You probably weren't aware, but you cannot sleep at the library."

Starting the interaction by stating that the patron might not be aware of the policy gives them an out, and most of the time they will agree that in fact they did not know and apologize. 

If you approach the patron with arrogance or in a hostile way, you will most likely receive a negative response back. Again, keep in mind that the patron is probably unaware that they are doing anything wrong, and always thank the patron for complying.

How you handle an issue with a patron determines the patron's view on their library experience and our goal is to give them a good one. 

Bloodborne Pathogens

Bloodborne pathogens are infectious microorganisms in human blood that can cause disease in humans. These pathogens include, but are not limited to, hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Bloodborne Pathogens Protection Kits are located at all branches and departments.
If you do not know the location of the kits find out the location from your supervisor.
You should know where all Protection Kits are located at your branch - not just in the department where you work.

Everyone is responsible for clean up, so make sure you are prepared. 

Follow the directions below to access the training video.
      
     1.   Click on this link:  https://moodle.rowancountync.gov/login/index.php

2. Use your normal network login and password to log in
3. Click on “Risk Management”
4. Click on “Bloodborne Pathogens”
5. Click on “Enroll Me” (you will only get the “Enroll Me” button the first time you access this material.  IF you exit and return you will not get the “Enroll Me” button)
6. Click on “Video” to watch a video about Bloodborne Pathogens. Once the “moodle” screen appears, click the play button (“>”).
7. After you have finish watching the training video click on “Participation Verification” and take the quiz. 

Know this policy and be confident in enforcing it!

 Knowledge = Confidence

Knowing The Policy Series - dispensing chemicals or noxious substances including, but not limited to, pepper spray, stink bombs, and tear gas;

Do you know Rowan Public Library's

 Disruptive Behavior Policy Statement???

For the next coming weeks I will be highlighting them on the Security Tips Blog.

Any comments or questions you may have you can email me at:

tara.greene@rowancountync.gov

22. dispensing chemicals or noxious substances including, but not limited to, pepper spray, stink bombs, and tear gas;


If you see a patron breaking this policy contact the Security Officer, Librarian in Charge or Supervisor and let them handle the situation. 

Know this policy and be confident in enforcing it!

 Knowledge = Confidence

Knowing The Policy Series - assaulting any library user or staff member;

Do you know Rowan Public Library's

 Disruptive Behavior Policy Statement???

For the next coming weeks I will be highlighting them on the Security Tips Blog.

Any comments or questions you may have you can email me at:

tara.greene@rowancountync.gov

21. Knowing The Policy Series - assaulting any library user or staff member; 

Assault
1.a sudden, violent attack; 

2.an unlawful physical attack upon another; an attempt or offer to 
do violence to another, with or without battery, as by holding a 
stone or club in a threatening manner.

If you witness someone being assaulted you need to contact the Security Officer, Librarian in Charge or Supervisor immediately. 
The Police should be called.

Know this policy and be confident in enforcing it!

 Knowledge = Confidence