Responding to Library Emergencies
This manual was compiled by the members of the Emergency Manual Committee.
Greg Cantrell, Environmental Health & Safety
Terry Caton, Special Libraries
Robert Milevski, Preservation
April Miller, Access Office
Tracy Mincher, Systems Office
Lorraine Mukerji, Public Services & Collection Development
Dottie Pearson, Administrative Services
Gail Smith, Rare Books & Special Collections
Beverly Szwast, Technical Services
Larry Woods, Systems Office
Editing assistance was supplied by Gretchen Oberfranc.
Additional assistance was supplied by Ted McLaughlin and Meghan Weeks.
If you have suggestions or additions for changes to this Manual, please send
them to April Miller in the Access Office.
For more information on emergencies see the University Emergency web page at: http://www.princeton.edu/main/administration/safety/emergency/
Overview of Contents
General Guidelines
If you observe that there is potential danger in any developing situation:
Branch Libraries: notify Public Safety at 911
Firestone Library: notify Library Security at 8-3221.
If medical assistance is required, follow General Guidelines.
Emotionally Disturbed Persons
Do not approach the person; follow General Guidelines.Lonely, Possessive / Helpless Persons
Do not let such persons monopolize your time.Persons Suspected of Being under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs
Be discreet, keep a safe distance, follow General Guidelines.
Panhandling / Soliciting / Petitioning
A violation of University policy; follow General Guidelines.Possession of a Weapon
Do not provoke a confrontation; follow General Guidelines; alert all staff immediately.Sex Offenses
Follow General Guidelines; alert all staff immediately.Telephone Harassment
Hang up immediately; if caller persists, follow General Guidelines.Theft of Library Materials
Do not talk to, detain, or follow the person; be observant and give accurate description to Public Safety or Library Security.Theft of Personal Items
Follow General Guidelines.Trespassing
Get backup from a colleague; give verbal warning; if ignored, follow General Guidelines.Vandalism
Do not talk to, detain, or follow the person; be observant and give accurate description to Public Safety or Library Security.
Demonstrations / Pranks
If brief and harmless, do not interfere; if longer and organized, follow General Guidelines.Eating / Drinking
Give verbal warning; if ignored, follow General Guidelines.Irate/Abusive Behavior
Evaluate the situation; identify yourself as a staff member; give verbal warning; if ignored, follow General Guidelines.Sleeping
Evaluate the situation; identify yourself as a staff member; give verbal warning; if ignored, follow General Guidelines.Talking/Socializing
Evaluate the situation; identify yourself as a staff member; give verbal warning; if ignored, follow General Guidelines.Verbal/Physical Altercations between Patrons
Do not try to defuse the situation yourself; follow General Guidelines.
Bomb Threat
Follow General Guidelines; evacuate Library if instructed to do so by security/police; do not lock Library.Earthquake
Watch for falling objects; do not move injured persons unless in immediate danger.Elevator Problems
Do not attempt to remove passengers; call Maintenance (weekdays) or Security (evenings, weekends).Evacuation Procedures
Leave quickly through the closest exit.Fire
Activate nearest alarm; follow General Guidelines; evacuate Library; do not lock Library.Floor/Ceiling Damage
Remove patrons from affected area; cover books and/or furniture with plastic if possible; call Maintenance (weekdays) or Security (evenings, weekends).Power Outage
Turn off computer equipment; proceed cautiously to an area with emergency lights.Suspicious Letter or Package
Do not open the package. Call Security.Tornado
Move away from windows and toward interior corridors; be guided by Security.
Emergency Action Plan for Firestone LibraryAppendix III
Appendix IV
Emergency Procedures PosterAppendix V
Disaster Response Plan for Princeton University Library