[Publib] DVD security

[Beverly Michaels]

Sorry for the late response to this, but I wanted to contribute an
important consideration from our experience. We were using
electromagnetic strips, but found that 

1.	
	they caused problems in some patrons' DVD players and, 
2.	
	more importantly, they didn't really prevent theft. 

We still lost over 120 discs in just a few months. Partly this was
because the electromagnetic system's "catch" rate is far from 100% (Ask
your sales rep about that-- it depends on the angle and the level at
which the item is carried). Besides, our thieves sometimes took the
discs to a remote corner and scraped off the security strips-we'd find
them, torn and crumpled, stuffed down behind other items in the stacks.
 
Fortunately, our AV librarian noticed that, for the most part, only the
new DVDs were disappearing. So our solution is to keep the cases on
display and keep the new DVDs behind the circ desk. I think that new is
defined as about the first six months. We just have the discs in CD
jewel cases, lined up in boxes in barcode order, and it seems fairly
simple to flip through and find the one you need. 
 
Beverly Michaels 
Circulation Services 
Tredyffrin Public Library 
610-688-7092, ext 201 

 
 
 

________________________________

From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org
[mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Lisa Prolman
Sent: Friday, December 14, 2007 3:39 PM
To: publib at webjunction.org
Subject: [Publib] DVD security


Greetings:
 
I am new to this list and apologize if this has been discussed before.
Our library is looking at ways to keep our DVDs secure and are wondering
what systems other libraries employ.  Originally, we kept the DVDs in
their cases until we started experiencing theft.  Now, we keep the cases
on the shelves and the DVDs in binders behind the circ desk.  This
worked fine when we had 2 or 3 hundred, but now we are up to 1500+ and
are running out of room.  We also find that there is too much work
involved in getting the DVDs to the patrons and then back on the shelf,
not to mention tired and sore arms from hoisting the binders around all
day long.
 
Anyway, we are investigating alternate ways of keeping our collection
safe and would be interested in hearing what some of you may have come
up with.
 
Feel free to respond off-list and TIA for any and all suggestions.
 
Lisa Prolman M.A, M.S
Assistant Director
Greenfield Public Library
402 Main Street
Greenfield, MA 01301
(413)772-1544
lprolman at townofgreenfield.org
 
"Give a man a fish, and you'll feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish,
and he'll buy a funny hat. Talk to a hungry man about fish, and you're a
consultant."  Scott Adams
 
 
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