Patterns of Crime and Security in U.S. Public Libraries
Alan Jay Lincoln · Library & Archival Security · 1983
Public libraries are subject to crimes ranging in severity from minor book theft to acts of violence directed against patrons or staff members. A survey was made of 406 public libraries to determine which of eighteen forms of criminal behavior were present, how the presence of criminal behavior affected the library and its patrons, what deterrent action was taken, and the cost of such action to the library. The results of the first part of the survey, which covered twelve states in the eastern half of the country, are discussed.