Recent protests over content and programs at libraries around the country have seen the use of verbal and electronic threats, both overt and covert, as a method to disrupt library operations or try to force the facility to close for a time. All threats matter and mean something, but we should not be held hostage by threats or threateners, especially when their only goal is to create fear (the easy part), not to harm (the harder part).
Angry and disturbed people can use their words or their keyboards to frighten library leaders and employees. These threats range from bomb threats called in to the main telephone line; phone threats left on various employees’ voice mails; face-to-face threats shouted over the counter or on the library floor; phone threats to “shoot up the place;” or non-specific threats like “I’m gonna get you!” All of these can create a lot of fear, anxiety, and even hesitancy to keep the library open.
The usual response in the US to a bomb threat is to call 9-111, close the building, have the Fire Department, Police or Sheriff, or Bomb Squad search the entire facility, then re-open once they have given the “all clear” signal. But is this the right thing to do every time? The short answer is NO and in this webinar, Dr. Steve Albrecht, who has handled hundreds of these types of threats in his career, along with “active shooter” situations, will explain why.
This is a 60-minute training webinar presented by Library 2.0 and hosted by ALA author and library service, safety, and security expert, Dr. Steve Albrecht. This overview session is another in our “Essential Library Series” for all library leaders and employees. A handout copy of the presentation slides will be available to all who participate.
About the Speaker
DR. STEVE ALBRECHT. Since 2000, Dr. Steve Albrecht has trained thousands of library employees in 28+ states, live and online, in service, safety, security, and supervision. His programs are fast, entertaining, and provide tools that can be put to use immediately in the library workspace with all types of patrons. In 2015, the ALA published his book, Library Security: Better Communication, Safer Facilities. He is currently writing the sequel, The Safe Library: Keeping Users, Staff, and Collections Secure, for Rowman & Littlefield. Steve holds a doctoral degree in Business Administration (D.B.A.), an M.A. in Security Management, a B.A. in English, and a B.S. in Psychology. He is board-certified in HR, security management, employee coaching, and threat assessment. He has written 24 books on business, security, and leadership topics. He lives with six dogs, two cats, and three chickens. (Not all in the same room, of course.)
