As a graduate research assistant I utilize three different libraries with
very strict security for their archives.  In the larger facility, you may
bring in paper.  That's it.  They provide pencils.  No purses, handbags,
briefcases, book bags of any kind are allowed.  They provide lockers in the
lobby at no charge.  Many researchers bring in lap tops (no case).
At the on-campus library, you are allowed a small notebook and pencil in the
rare-book reading room.  Lockers are provided at no charge for bags and
coats.  At the main branch of the county library in the special collections
unit, you may bring in a lap top without its case, some notepaper and a
pencil.  No purses, bags of any kind and no 3-ring binders, books,
notebooks, etc. may by brought into the area. They did not make me check my
coat, however.
I operate on a strictly electronic format.  I use a Palm m500 with keyboard
and software that runs MS Word and Excel documents.  I keep both the Palm
and the keyboard in tight-fitting cases and have had no problem with
bringing any of these items into these 3 facilities.

Personally, I find it somewhat annoying because I can't carry my phone (on
vibrate), Palm w/keyboard, wallet for copies and keys all at the same time.
Plus, then when I get up to check something else, I have to leave my stuff
unattended while I am across the room.  I can understand the security needs
and support the no book bags, large notebook part of it, but I do wish
purses were allowed (or some type of SMALL bag) which I would gladly consent
to having checked upon exit.


Lori Allen,
Grad Student, UMSL
-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf
Of Audra Oliver
Sent: Thursday, February 21, 2002 4:47 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Museum stories... Security


David:

Good points, however, at most museums you have a staff of three +
volunteers.  Guard? In over ten years of working at museums, and many more
in libraries and several in archives, this is the first job I've had with
guards.

I've been to only one National Archives regional facility, and that was
after 9/11. The security resembled airport security and there were items
that we were not allowed to bring in the building. These items could not be
stored at the guard station and there were no lockers.  We did have to have
our issued identification with us. We passed through security on the way out
but I do not recall that our material was searched.  However, there was a
good deal of traffic in and out of the facility. I was not at the building
for access to the collections. I know many, if not all, federal employees
have a background check. The extent of this check applies to your level of
access.

From my days of researching my thesis, U T Austin had a couple of facilities
that impressed me with their security. We were required to leave brief cases
or handbags with the secretary or security personnel or in a locker, we
could take in notes. The facility furnished paper and pencils. The guard
station had a bank of monitors where visitor activity was monitored.   I
loved it. My professional librarian friends thought it was awful.  The best
other institutions offered was a requirement that you check your coat, purse
and bag and use pencils while taking notes.

Some smaller institutions don't take security seriously, they often don't
take collections care seriously.   At other times they do take it seriously
but they can't afford to implement what they would like.  At what point do
you declare that you cannot afford to check every bag? How thorough a
background check can you afford?



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