It was very interesting this week to review the article by Maunder (2019) regarding Foster Library which was the first public library in Australia to introduce unstaffed 24/7 access. According to the article, RFID, security cameras, swipe card access and induction training has enabled this small, country library in Victoria to successfully extend its hours. When considering the security implications raised in the article for the public libraries where I work in central Sydney, however, it appears that a more comprehensive risk assessment may be required.
The physical risks may include theft and damage- RFID tags can be easily removed from resources (books, DVDs, CDs) and thus be undetected at the security gates; computers and equipment can be stolen or damaged; and security cameras have blind spots and can also be tampered with. There are also personal security issues that can arise with unstaffed access including violence; inappropriate or criminal behaviour; and medical emergencies. Whilst the article mentions that security cameras are in use at Foster Library, it does not detail whether these cameras are monitored and if so, what the response rate would be in the event of an emergency.
Cyber security risks may also arise from customers accessing the library’s WiFi network through the library’s computers or their own devices include hacking, viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, phishing, malware, and other criminal or offensive use (such as accessing pornography or material on the dark web). There is also the risk of customers not logging off before their session has expired, potentially providing access to their personal information through personal websites such as banking, social media, and Centrelink. Whilst these issues also apply to staffed libraries, it can be argued that the risk increases significantly when not monitored by staff.
Reference
Maunder, S (2019, December 20). First library in Victoria to open 24 hours a day, seven days a week has town buzzing. ABC Gippsland. Retrieved from https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-12-27/foster-library-first-in-victoria-to-open-24-hours-a-day/11777696
Libtech 
Good discussion of the risks that opening a library 24/7 might have in a larger city library. Do you think security for this setup would need to be assessed on a case by case basis?
LikeLike
Yes!! Absolutley! My post probably sounds very negative as we were asked to discuss the security risks, but I think we really need to consult the local communities at every library and then complete a cost/benefit analysis. We also can’t make assumptions about the country/city divide, or prescribe what we think is best. Every community has different needs and the benefits may well outweigh the security risks. The risks might also be managed more effectively.
I think I mentioned in my introduction that I moved back from London recently. Unstaffed libraries during regular working hours are quite common due to funding cuts. It opened my eyes and I really don’t think people in Australia appreciate how lucky we are! There’s been such a resurgence of public libraries and funding commitments! I still can’t believe how amazing the resources are in Sydney, and some of the library buildings are absolutely stunning!
Food for thought…
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2019/jul/21/backlash-grows-against-unstaffed-libraries
https://www.barnet.gov.uk/libraries/library-opening-times
LikeLike