Hello everyone!

 

The ALA has a free presentation available on the topic of preventing violence in the Library:

http://www.ala.org/pla/onlinelearning/webinars/archive/prevention  This presentation includes many tips for how to handle threatening and aggressive patrons as well as certain violent acts.

 

Under Michigan law, it is possible that a library could be liable for injuries to an alleged assailant  by a staff member. The answer to this depends greatly on the facts of a particular scenario, but the possibility does exist.

 

Contacting your local police department for advice and training is an excellent idea. A clear policy/procedure (designed with input from police or an attorney), and  training for staff on the policy/procedure is also a good idea.

 

Clare

 

Clare D. Membiela, MLS, J.D.

Library of Michigan

www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan

517-335-8132

MembielaC@michigan.gov

Information within this message is for educational and informational purposes only. No information in this message constitutes, nor should be interpreted as, legal advice or opinion.

 

Our collective efforts can help make Michigan a Top 10 education state in 10 years!  Here are the goals and strategies: http://mi.gov/top10in10/

 

cid:image001.png@01D2039A.4E4BC0C0

 

 

From: michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org [mailto:michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org] On Behalf Of Chris Wells
Sent: Tuesday, September 20, 2016 1:00 PM
To: Christine Nofsinger <cnofsinger@gmail.com>; Corey Seeman <cseeman@umich.edu>
Cc: Michlib-l <michlib-l@mcls.org>
Subject: Re: [Michlib-l] Procedure for active assault

 

This was also my thought. I think you are a lot less liable for injury if you use a product specifically designed for non-lethal self-defense.

 

Here is a corresponding Snopes article: http://www.snopes.com/crime/prevent/waspspray.asp

 

--

Chris Wells

IT Manager, Genesee District Library

P: 810-230-3341

E: cwells@thegdl.org

 

THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN THIS EMAIL ARE MY OWN AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE GENESEE DISTRICT LIBRARY.

 

 

From: <michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org> on behalf of Christine Nofsinger <cnofsinger@gmail.com>
Date: Tuesday, September 20, 2016 at 12:56 PM
To: Corey Seeman <cseeman@umich.edu>
Cc: Michlib-l <michlib-l@mcls.org>
Subject: Re: [Michlib-l] Procedure for active assault

 

We decided against wasp spray after doing a bit of research.  You are possibly liable if you use a spray against a person rather than for it's intended use.  This was confirmed by our lawyer.

http://articles.extension.org/pages/70030/6-reasons-why-wasp-spray-is-not-a-substitute-for-pepper-spray

Chris

 

On Tue, Sep 20, 2016 at 12:43 PM, Corey Seeman <cseeman@umich.edu> wrote:

Hi everyone.  

 

We have had training on the University of Michigan by the campus police.  It was great training about what to do and what not to do.  I think every library or organization should have their own setup based on local needs.

 

This might be a good opportunity to reach out to the local police to see what they suggest.  While the board members will make suggestions that have good intent, connecting with the police might be the best way forward.

 

Here's hoping no one needs to use the training you might get!

 

Best - Corey


Corey Seeman

Director, Kresge Library Services (http://www.bus.umich.edu/kresgelibrary/)
Stephen M. Ross School of Business
University of Michigan

700 East University Avenue
Kresge Hall, 4th Floor East
Suite K4511
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1234

 

On Tue, Sep 20, 2016 at 12:36 PM, Jaema Berman <jberman@tln.lib.mi.us> wrote:

We don't have a plan but our next staff meeting is Monday and I would be very interested in hearing what plans people do have in place. Thanks, Jaema Berman

----- Original Message -----
From: "Megan Buck" <meg@dcl-lib.org>
To: "Michlib-l" <michlib-l@mcls.org>
Sent: Tuesday, September 20, 2016 12:27:07 PM
Subject: [Michlib-l] Procedure for active assault





Hi All,

Does anyone have a procedure for an active assault that you would be willing to share? I am particularly interested in libraries that do not have a security person in the building and/or those that are a distance from the nearest law enforcement agency.



We had a Board member suggest that perhaps the library desk should stock pepper spray for emergencies (such as a person who enters the building and starts attacking patrons). It was suggested I find out what other libraries are doing to train their staff and protect patrons in the event of an active assault of any kind.



We do have a Policy for patron behavior, but it assumes that staff will be able to approach the patron and ask them to leave and/or issue a verbal warning that they will be calling the police. In the question above, we are assuming that reasoning with the person is not an option and response time may be long.



Thank you!

Megan
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--
Jaema Berman
Director
Addison Twp. Public Library
1400 Rochester Rd.
Leonard, MI 48367
Phone: 248-628-7180
Fax: 248-628-6109
http://www.addisontwp.michlibrary.org

“Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.”
Margaret Fuller
1810-1850
Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested. ~ Francis Bacon

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