The Securing Your Library in Troubling Times program instructed and prepared librarians for a worst case scenario, an Active Shooter situation.
Balancing the tenant 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 consisted of training from the State Police about personal safety and developing an Active Shooter policy and procedures. There was input from librarians who have dealt with violence in their workplaces and instruction on layout and design of library space to reduce risk.
April 10, 2014 - Lansing Community College - West Campus, Lansing Michigan
Sergeant Duane Zook, Michigan State Police
Trooper Andy Knapp, Michigan State Police
Panelists:
Mark Alley, Emergent BioSolutions
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).
