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Take Care of Security
As long as there is a black market for art, people will attempt to steal objects from collections. Successful thefts are relatively uncommon and security standards are generally good but there is no room for complacency says William Brown, security adviser at the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council.
“When putting together collections or designing exhibitions, we now have to look at a broader picture and make security procedures commensurate with a perceived risk.
“Those risks are changing; a lot of religious and cultural arts and crafts can be targeted because someone doesn't like what they represent. Similarly, some venues themselves could be at risk because they're seen as symbols of Britain or the West.” - Read the full article
Getting Started
The best practical introduction to security for museums, libraries and archives is the MLA publication 'Security for Museums, Libraries and Archives: A Practical Guide'. Use the link below to read the guide.
The Scottish Museums Council also provide an excellent introductory document for museums:
Guidelines and factsheets - Security and Buildings
- Museum and Gallery Security: Advice for Architects and Planners
- Guide to Assessing the Security Requirements for Museums and Galleries
- Guide to Briefing on the Security Aspects of Building Projects
- Guide to Emergency Exits
- Guide to Assessing the Requirements for Fire Detection and Alarm Systems for Museums, Archives and Libraries
- Guide to Police Response to Automatic Intruder Detection Systems
- Guide to the Use of Access Controls
- Guide to the Use of CCTV in Museums, Archives and Libraries
- Guide to Security for Conservators
- Guide to Key Security: Copyright Protection Legislation
- Guide to Barriers, Rails and Ropes
The National Preservation Office also publish a series of guidelines on security specifically in a library and archive context:
Carrying out a library security survey and drafting a security policy 
Designing out crime - a guide to security in the planning of library buildings
How to deal with criminal and anti-social behaviour
Guidance and Factsheets - Staff and Visitors
- Guide to the Supervision of Visitors with Direct Access to Collections
- Guide for Museum Attendants and the Law
- Guide on the Action to be taken in Cases of Theft, Criminal or Accidental Damage (including indemnified material)
- Guide to the Regulation of Handling of Material by Visitors
IT security fact sheets
Technical Specifications
Using the correct technical specifications is an important part of ensuring the security of your library, museum or archive. Specifications are available for a number of different elements of the building envelope including doors, windows and walls, as well as showcases and locks. These were written by the Security Adviser of the Museum, Library and Archive Council (MLA).
Further resources:
The Museum and Gallery Commission (now Museums Libraries and Archives Council) ‘ Standards in the museum care of collections' series contains some useful information relating to security. Find out about physical protection from theft, how to secure your building against theft, perimeter alarms, the importance of invigilation and key security here.
- The Accreditation Resource Directory on Collections Link contains resources which are useful whether or not you are applying for accreditation. Go to section 4.5 Minimising Risk of Damage for resources relevant to this subject.
The UK Registrars' Group produce a number of very useful publications:
- Secured by Design is the UK Police flagship initiative supporting the principles
of 'designing out crime' by use of effective crime prevention and security standards for a range of applications. It offers accreditation for security products and services.
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