Panic Alarm Policies:
Best Approaches for Staff Training and Safe Use
Part of the Library 2.0 Service, Safety, and Security Series with Dr. Steve Albrecht
OVERVIEW:
While some libraries have a panic button-use process, policy, and response that really works, and some have a system in place that "sort of" works, for many others getting emergency help at the press of a panic button is an issue that is still being discussed and should be actively discussed. Understanding why and how panic buttons function, and more importantly, what happens when the button is pushed, often needs some improvements and should be part of a careful review.
Some libraries are in a “wait and see” mode for panic alarms, often waiting for the “Big Event” to give them the momentum, motivation, and reason to spend the money on a panic alarm system. This is a wrong approach, because it puts staff, patrons, and the facility at unnecessary risk of harm and may create liability because the library is not following current best practices regarding security devices and procedures.
This webinar discusses a total-facility approach to the use of panic buttons, to go along with existing staff techniques and supervisors’ responses in patron de-escalation and high-stress communications. The session will include a Sample Panic Button Policy handout to accompany the training slides.
LEARNING AGENDA:
- How and where to install panic buttons in your library, especially to prevent accidental use or false alarms.
- Decisions on the various types of responses to panic button activations, including: the first response by the library supervisors; library security officers; using an alarm company monitoring service; or calling the police.
- How to create and enforce an effective staff-use policy for library panic buttons.
- How and when to provide refresher training to all staff, and especially to help new-hires feel more confident about using panic buttons.
DATE: Thursday, May 15th, 2025, 2:00 - 3:00 pm US - Eastern Time
COST:
- $99/person - includes live attendance and 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.
TO REGISTER:
Use the payment box above to register and pay. You can pay by credit card. You will receive an email within a day with information on how to attend the webinar live and how you can access the permanent webinar recording. If you are paying for someone else to attend, you'll be prompted to send an email to admin@library20.com with the name and email address of the actual attendee.If you need to be invoiced or pay by check, if you have any trouble registering for a webinar, 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 within a day.
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.
Since 2000, Dr. Steve Albrecht has trained thousands of library employees in 28+ states, live and online, in service, safety, and security. His programs are fast, entertaining, and provide tools that can be put to use immediately in the library workspace with all types of patrons.
He has written 27 books, including: Library Security: Better Communication, Safer Facilities (ALA, 2015); The Safe Library: Keeping Users, Staff, and Collections Secure (Rowman & Littlefield, 2023); The Library Leader’s Guide to Human Resources: Keeping it Real, Legal, and Ethical (Rowman & Littlefield, May 2025); and The Library Leader's Guide to Employee Coaching: Building a Performance Culture One Meeting at a Time (Rowman & Littlefield, June 2026).
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 lives in Springfield, Missouri, with seven dogs and two cats.
More on The Safe Library at thesafelibrary.com. Follow on X (Twitter) at @thesafelibrary and on YouTube @thesafelibrary. Dr. Albrecht's professional website is drstevealbrecht.com.
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