[OPLINLIST] DVD Theft/Protection Update

[Richelle Klug]

THANK YOU to everyone who was so quick to offer suggestions on how to
protect our DVD collection!!!

 

I saw three major themes from the responses:

1.       Locked cases alone are not enough.  People will still steal them.

2.       Installing a security camera(s) is highly recommended.  Some
libraries have professional systems, others purchased a camera on Amazon for
around $200.  (We do have a security system, but nothing directly pointed
toward the DVD collection.)  One library has a camera pointed at the
collection and a large display screen above it so the patron's actions are
clearly displayed - and the patrons know they are being directly watched.

3.       The most suggested technique is to house DVDs behind the
circulation desk.  Some people have double cases - one dummy case and one .
Multiple libraries house the discs in sleeves behind the desk.  It takes up
the least amount of room and is also the least expensive solution.  I think
we are going to switch to this method.  The Media Carousels are nice, but
take up too much room.  We are also going to reduce our DVD check out limit
down from 10 at one time.  Most libraries have limits between 2 and 5 DVDs
that may be checked out at one time, per card.

 

One library said that they had over 800 DVDs stolen within a 6 month period.
They found out that they were able to claim the loss on their insurance.
(They could only claim stolen DVDs, not DVDs that were check out to patrons
but not returned.)  So if any other libraries have DVD theft of a
significant amount, you may want to check your insurance policy!

 

And of course, staff reported that a lot of the problem is patrons checking
out DVDs and just not returning them.  Unfortunately, a solution to this
problem has yet to be found : /

 

I hope this helps other people.I think it will definitely help us!

 

Thank you all again!

Richelle

 

Richelle Klug, Library Director

St. Clairsville Public Library

108 West Main Street

St. Clairsville, OH 43950

P: (740) 695-2062

F: (740) 695-6420

 <http://www.stclibrary.org/> http://www.stclibrary.org

 

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