On April 10, 2014, the Cooperative Directors Association, the Library of Michigan and the Midwest Collaborative for Library Services (MCLS) will provide a program instructing and preparing librarians for a worst case scenario, an Active Shooter situation. The program will be held at Lansing Community College West Campus and will be available through live web stream for remote viewing.

Balancing the tenent of libraries as free and open spaces while ensuring the safety of staff and patrons is an ambitious challenge. There are bad actors and some so lost they barely comprehend their actions. As stewards of our buildings the charge for librarians is to prepare for the worst; arming ourselves first with knowledge, then acting accordingly.

In partnership with the Michigan State Police, the day will consist of training from the State Police about personal safety and developing an Active Shooter policy and procedures. There will be input from librarians who have dealt with violence in their workplaces and instruction on layout and design of library space to reduce risk.

This program is part of a series brought to you by the Cooperative Directors Association, the Library of Michigan and MCLS. Generous support for this session is provided by the Library of Michigan and from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).

More information will be provided soon.