We have several in the library and we have 4 double doors into main corridors with coverage there. They are fairly new. Security monitors them and shares info with admins when needed.
It has helped us solve mischief questions outside of the library.
With a library the size of the cafeteria with multiple access points and open access all day, I see the need for them. Students (2000) know they are there and it's a deterrent. They can use phones in here, and given their habits, cameras are more of an
issue for my generation. They can't zoom in and spy on what you are looking at and don't interfere with anyone's teaching.
I have often made comments to the effect that my role is teacher librarian not study hall supervisor or security monitor. The cameras are a plus for us.
Stephanie Patterson
Southington High School Library
"Building character with critical thinking, creativity,
collaboration and communication."
From: CASL-L [casl-l-bounces@mylist.net] on behalf of Juliann T. Moskowitz [juliann14@hotmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, December 15, 2016 1:01 PM
To: Rocca, Jennifer; Cas-l Listserv
Subject: Re: [CASL-L] surveillance cameras
We have cameras all over the school, including the library. They are placed all around the library. I think they see most of the library. No one bats an eyelash. Sometimes when kids a misbehaving, I warn them that the cameras can see what they are doing.
The administration rarely checks them. It's only done if something bad happens like when we tried to catch the student who repeatedly drew pictures of the male anatomy on our couches. No parent or student has every complained to my knowledge.
Juliann T. Moskowitz
Director of Library Media
St. Joseph High School
Trumbull, CT 06611
juliann14@hotmail.com
“Without libraries what have we? We have no past and no future.”—Ray Bradbury
From: CASL-L <casl-l-bounces@mylist.net> on behalf of Rocca, Jennifer <roccaj@brookfieldps.org>
Sent: Thursday, December 15, 2016 10:48 AM
To: Cas-l Listserv
Subject: [CASL-L] surveillance cameras
Our administration wants to install surveillance cameras in our library. I am concerned. Their proposed placement would allow them to view nearly 100% of the library. I have concerns about students and teachers feeling comfortable in their teaching
and presenting if they are on camera all of the time.
Who else has cameras in their library? What policies did you create/adjust when they were installed What do the cameras see? What limits did you set for acceptable/unacceptable surveillance?
Suggestions? Ideas? Input?
--
Jennifer Rocca
Brookfield HS Teacher Librarian