With a beautiful new building designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects that evokes the classical tradition now open for everyone’s enjoyment, the administration and Board of Trustees have concluded it is time to recalibrate open and trusting rules in a more stringent and virtuous register. It’s a frame bending change that requires a detailed explanation. The need to raise Lakewood Public Library’s commitment to security and preventive measures that deter theft, criminal and unethical behavior has become increasingly clear over the course of recent years. A growing population attracted to audio-visual materials and public computer access abuses and disrespects not only the public library culture of open and trusting values but also the public property intended to flow ethically and responsibly to borrowers through efficient low grid access rules. The situation is no longer sustainable.

It is never a pleasure to impose new rules. However, the total library situation reflects the effects of the bad economy, the regionalization of banditry, and the rise of eBay sellers fencing public property and thus requires a tightening of access rules in accordance with the techniques of situational crime prevention.

The Center for Problem Oriented Policing provides techniques of situational crime prevention that inform Lakewood Public Library’s library card surrender and identification practice. These techniques include: 1) Target harden with anti-robbery devices; 2) Control access to the facilities; 3) Screen exits; 4) Deflect offenders; 5) Extend guardianship; 6) Assist natural surveillance; 7) Reduce anonymity; 8) Utilize place managers and desk clerks; 9) Strengthen formal surveillance; 10) Identify property; 11) Disrupt market; 12) Deny benefits; 13) Neutralize peer pressure; 14) Discourage imitation; 15) Set rules; 16) Post instructions; 17) Alert conscience; 18) Assist compliance.

The library card surrender and identification practice is a situational crime prevention strategy developed with off-duty police officers employed by Lakewood Public Library in response to unsustainable loss rates for audio-visual materials. Situational crime prevention always requires an increase in effort from the community. I apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience and effort.

Finally, there has been much ado in the Plain Dealer about Lakewood Public Library’s policy and administrative responsibility with respect to public computer use. The general message of Lakewood librarians patrolling for pornography and invading patron privacy trivializes a very complex situation. To be sure, Lakewood Public Library staff is authorized by the Board of Trustees to monitor behavior in public space for compliance with all applicable laws and library policy. Quite simply, the point of monitoring in the Technology Center is public behavior – not pornography. From computer fraud to illegal copying of protected materials, from behavior that creates a hostile workplace to actions harmful to minors, there are numerous exposures and risks that compel sound library policy and administrative responsibility required to manage and preserve public access and support. It’s a rapidly changing and complex public situation that involves the proper management of computer network technology, contract obligations with Internet Service Providers and government agencies, the library’s mission, public expectations and acceptable use of limited public resources.

It’s a complex challenge to manage individual rights, community responsibilities and technology in the public space of the library - not something to be trivialized. Thank you for your understanding and support.

Kenneth Warren
Director