ABSTRACT
The National Preservation Office has been working on library security since 1988; intensive research to produce the 1990 video Library security: who cares? included informal talks with all kinds of librarians and street interviews on camera with members of the public. The security of collections found a natural home at the National Preservation Office. The Office was already experienced in increasing awareness of preservation issues; security of collections is closely related. The National Preservation Office published its Security Guidelines in 1989. These, available free of charge from the Office, are a handy ‘do’s’ and ‘don’ts’ of library security with an introduction to some useful reading matter. The National Preservation Office was initially charged with a feasibility study of whether a database of missing books for the library world was a realistic aim.
