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  Sucurity Bars

  The security bars we have adjusted to the library door are quite old and they're doing funny crazy things. They can't even detect the books unless you hold the book at a certain angle. Unless I put a label next to the door that says "Raise your book over your head before you exit" they'd prove quite useless hehe. No one even knows where the maintenance contract is because they're quite old so I'm trying to research how to get new ones.
  
  Anyone has any idea how much these things cost these days? Are they quite expensive? And which brand would you suggest to go for (for a small library that is)?

  Snoddgrass II started this discussion 2 months ago. ( reply )

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  Hope H 

  Hi!

  I'm not sure about costs, but if you contact some of the library vendors, they can help you out or have a sales rep call you. Just looking in Demco's catalog shows three different systems - one starting at about $5000. Highsmith, Library Store, Brodart, and others would most likely either have the information or refer you to the manufacturer.

  For your older bars, can you find a manufacturer on them? If so, you might be able to locate the company and a knowledgeable rep via a company website. They might even have details on the system you have.

  One thing you may want to consider is weighing potential theft against turning patrons off with the bars. I'm in a small school library and generally know my population - which kids have sticky fingers or which kids was researching the topic that is now missing half the books on the subject. There are times when I wish I had a security system, though. This topic had been discussed on a list-serv I'm on, and several librarians said they didn't like the security systems because just having them gives patrons the idea you don't trust them.

  Just some food for thought!

  posted 2 months ago. ( reply )

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  Snoddgrass II 

  Hey Hope :)

  I found the manufacturer but there isn't any information on the system I have. The company doesn't make them anymore; they're quite old. Once I'm done with the cataloging, I will research better options. I already wrote to management requesting newer ones. We'll see how it goes.

  I understand where you're coming from about "turning patrons off with the bars" but I guess in the facility I work in, students are quite used to them. They're practically standard in all resource centers here- they've been around for over 10 years now. We've had a few theft issues. Security does help, especially if you're not positioned to eye the exit door at all times :/

  posted 2 months ago. ( reply )

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  Hope H 

  Hi Snoddgrass II !

  It sounds like you're making progress - way to go!

  posted 2 months ago. ( reply )

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  Snoddgrass II 

  Hope,

  Oh yes! It has come a long way and I'm pleased :) Thanks hon :*

  posted 2 months ago. ( reply )

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