After-Hours Safety: Protocols for Opening, Closing, and Working Alone in the Library

Every library professional knows that uneasy feeling – arriving alone in the early morning darkness to open the building, working a solitary evening shift with unpredictable patrons, or conducting that final security sweep while acutely aware there are only a few staff members left. Statistics reveal that nearly 70% of security incidents resulting in staff injury occur during minimal staffing periods, yet most libraries lack comprehensive protocols for these vulnerable times. This critical webinar addresses the need for systematic safety procedures that protect staff during opening, closing, and solo or small-staff coverage situations.

Join Dr. Steve Albrecht, nationally recognized library security expert, for this practical training that transforms general building safety concerns into specific, actionable protocols. Drawing from real-world incidents and successful interventions across hundreds of libraries, Dr. Albrecht provides proven strategies that work, regardless of your library's staff size, budget, or location. You'll learn how to conduct security vulnerability assessments, establish safety routines, and create the policies needed to protect your institution from injuries, assaults, or liabilities.

This isn't about fear – it's about preparation and empowerment. Whether you're a solo librarian in a rural community, a supervisor scheduling evening shifts, or a library leader responsible for staff safety, you'll gain tools to reduce risk and increase confidence. From simple techniques like the "verbal presence" method to comprehensive closing procedures and emergency response protocols, this webinar equips you with everything needed to ensure that every staff member goes home safely.
 

LEARNING AGENDA: 

• Learn how to do a site security survey of your library facility, identifying and documenting high-risk areas during low-staffing periods, including blind spots, isolation zones, and potential threats.
• Create safe opening procedures, including pre-entry assessment protocols, safe building entry techniques, and thorough security sweeps to ensure facilities are secure before public service begins.
• Create safe closing protocols using graduated announcements, strategic sweep patterns, and safe exit procedures while managing resistant patrons and securing library assets.
• Establish solo worker or small-staff safety strategies, including de-escalation techniques for uncooperative patrons.
• Use safety technology from panic buttons to entry alerts to specific alarm codes.
• Create or update written policies that clearly define after-hours procedures, emergency responses, and training requirements.

Presenter:

Dr. Steve Albrecht

CALL Training Partner: Library 2.0

Track: Safety