"Bomb Threats and Bullets in the Book Drop: What to Do About Threats to the Library"
Part of the Library 2.0 Series with Dr. Steve Albrecht
OVERVIEW:
Recent protests over content and programs at libraries around the country have seen the use of verbal and electronic threats, both overt and covert, as a method to disrupt library operations or try to force the facility to close for a time. All threats matter and mean something, but we should not be held hostage by threats or threateners, especially when their only goal is to create fear (the easy part), not to harm (the harder part).
Angry and disturbed people can use their words or their keyboards to frighten library leaders and employees. These threats range from bomb threats called in to the main telephone line; phone threats left on various employees’ voice mails; face-to-face threats shouted over the counter or on the library floor; phone threats to “shoot up the place;” or non-specific threats like “I’m gonna get you!” All of these can create a lot of fear, anxiety, and even hesitancy to keep the library open.
The usual response in the US to a bomb threat is to call 9-111, close the building, have the Fire Department, Police or Sheriff, or Bomb Squad search the entire facility, then re-open once they have given the “all clear” signal. But is this the right thing to do every time? The short answer is NO and in this webinar, Dr. Steve Albrecht, who has handled hundreds of these types of threats in his career, along with “active shooter” situations, will explain why.
This is a 60-minute training webinar presented by Library 2.0 and hosted by ALA author and library service, safety, and security expert, Dr. Steve Albrecht. This overview session is another in our “Essential Library Series” for all library leaders and employees. A handout copy of the presentation slides will be available to all who participate.
LEARNING AGENDA:
- When is it the right thing to do when it comes to a library evacuation?
- When should a library close for threats made to the building, staff, leaders, and programs?
- Discuss direct threats; conditional threats; overt versus cover threats; and improbably threat. Language, context, and content matter.
- Hunters versus Howlers: Who makes a threat versus who poses a threat? The difference is critical.
- What is the best response to a bomb threat versus a suspicious package, box, or device found in or near a library?
- How serious are threats related to domestic violence, involving staff or a patron?
- What is the best way to work with your local first responders for threat incidents?
DATE: Thursday, October 27, 2022, at 3:00 pm US - Eastern Time (please note this new time)
COST:
- $99/person - includes any-time access to the recording and the presentation slides and receiving a participation certificate. To arrange group discounts (see below), to submit a purchase order, or for any registration difficulties or questions, email admin@library20.com.
- FREE for those on individual or group all-access passes (see below).
TO REGISTER:
Click above to pay. You can pay by credit card, and will receive an email within a day with information on how to attend the webinar live and then your permanent access to the webinar recording. If you have any trouble registering for a webinar, if you need to be invoiced or pay by check, or if you have any questions, please email admin@library20.com. NOTE: please check your spam folder if you don't receive your confirmation email right away.
SPECIAL GROUP RATES (email admin@library20.com to arrange):
- Multiple individual log-ins and access from the same organization paid together: $75 each for 3+ registrations, $65 each for 5+ registrations. Unlimited and non-expiring access for those log-ins.
- The ability to show the webinar (live or recorded) to a group located in the same physical location or in the same virtual meeting from one log-in: $299.
- Large-scale institutional access for viewing with individual login capability: $499 (hosted either at Library 2.0 or in Niche Academy). Unlimited and non-expiring access for those log-ins.
ALL-ACCESS PASSES:
- All-access annual passes include unlimited access to the recordings of all of Dr. Albrecht's previous Library 2.0 webinars, plus live and recorded access to his new webinars for one year. These are hosted either at Library 2.0 or Niche Academy (if preferred).
- For a $499 individual all-access annual pass to all of Dr. Albrecht's live webinars and recordings for one year, please click here.
- Inquiries for all-access organizational contracts should be directed to admin@library20.com.
Since 2000, Dr. Steve Albrecht has trained thousands of library employees in 28+ states, live and online, in service, safety, security, and supervision. His programs are fast, entertaining, and provide tools that can be put to use immediately in the library workspace with all types of patrons. In 2015, the ALA published his book, Library Security: Better Communication, Safer Facilities. He is currently writing the sequel, The Safe Library: Keeping Users, Staff, and Collections Secure, for Rowman & Littlefield.
Steve holds a doctoral degree in Business Administration (D.B.A.), an M.A. in Security Management, a B.A. in English, and a B.S. in Psychology. He is board-certified in HR, security management, employee coaching, and threat assessment.
He has written 24 books on business, security, and leadership topics. He lives with six dogs, two cats, and three chickens. (Not all in the same room, of course.)
