Libraries are, unfortunately, another place where workplace violence is seen. Librarians should be on their toes at all times to avoid any violent confrontations. Because of this, a holdup button from CRS Notify would be an excellent supplement to any incident response plan that libraries should already have in place.

Why Use a Holdup Button for Libraries?

Many libraries see many different people from many different walks of life. Librarians cannot always predict how different people will react, given many different situations. Librarians can potentially see patrons at their best or their worst. Also, depending on the size of the libraries, they could be very sparsely staffed, or they could be heavily staffed. Either way, no one is immune to workplace violence.

The CRS Notify holdup button for libraries is directly connected to 911 via E911 platform integration. In other words, police are alerted immediately in the event of an alert being raised. This cuts down on the response time when seconds matter the most in an emergency.

What is the Benefit of a Holdup Button for Libraries?

One reason a holdup button for libraries would be useful would be to contact others within a short distance. Perhaps a librarian feels uneasy about an unruly patron at the front desk. The employee could raise a low alert, alerting colleagues of the incident as it unfolds.

Another reason a holdup button for libraries would be useful would be in the case of imminent danger to staff. A high alert should only be raised if it is safe to do so. Again, the E911 platform integration bypasses the alarm company altogether, directly alerting police when seconds matter the most.

Health Day outlines a brief incident where a gunman entered the Berkeley Public Library in California. One of the employees hit an alarm and alerted the police. The article further outlines safety suggestions for libraries.

How to Keep Safe While Working as a Librarian

Librarians see people both at their best and at their worst. Librarians cannot always predict how patrons will react to any given situation, so there should still be a plan in place about how to handle the stressful situations.

An incident response plan should also be in place. What should staff do in case of a threat over the phone? Should they raise a low alert, alerting a supervisor to the situation? Or should they keep up with a list of these situations? What about in case of an active gunman? Should the library staff shelter in place, or should they make their way out the door?

A holdup button from CRS Notify would help in this kind of situation, but it is useless if the staff does not know how or when to use it! For this reason, a holdup button would be an excellent supplement to any incident response plan.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a holdup button for libraries is an excellent addition to any incident response plan. The E911 platform integration dramatically cuts down on response time during an emergency when seconds matter the most. The CRS Notify holdup button for libraries will help anyone in the who works in a library feel safe while doing their everyday job.

Still Unsure About a Holdip Button System?

Contact us for more information to make the best decision for your holdup button system.

info@communityresponsesystems.com or 800-533-7201 M-F 8-5 pm CST