I'm a staff of one, also. Our solution for the time being has been to keep
the front door locked at all times and to have visitors ring a bell. At
least I'm then aware of who is in the building.  It also helps to make
friends with police, maintenance people, and others nearby who might be able
to tell if you are in trouble. Even when there were other people working in
this wing, I began to have trouble with kids sneaking into unauthorized
areas and learned pretty quickly to lock all interior doors behind me.

I also practice looking "mean."  When suspicious kids or others show up, I
have to let them in, but I assume an attitude of "I'm the one in charge here
and there's no funny business allowed." So far, so good.

There is also the consideration of the lone employee being hurt on the job.
This did happen to one of my predecessors. She broke her ankle and spent
agonizing minutes, hours?, trying to reach for the phone to call for help.
So, bad guys are not the only security issue. What if pulling down an
archive box causes you to fall off a ladder and hit your head?  I'll bet
OSHA would have something to say about this, too.

Cynthia Ogorek
Matteson Historical Museum
Matteson, Illinois


----- Original Message -----
From: Museum Staff <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, May 12, 2000 10:07 AM
Subject: Re: museum security


> That is a very good question.... however, they do not seem to feel that
> this is an issue, as we are a "sleepy" little museum with a small
> vistorship.... I, on the hand, being the potential target and care taker
of
> the nice collection, feel that one should look at all sides, the cost and
> effect of whether or not to have a security plan... Granted, the dogs were
> not "gestapo pups", but were nonetheless, somewhat of a Visible deterant?
>
> We are looking into purchasing the "panic button" type system, as people
> have said that is a good idea for a staff of ONE!
>
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