Skip to Main Content

Library Student Worker Handbook

Reporting an Emergency

When reporting an emergency, inform the 911/DPS dispatcher “THIS IS AN EMERGENCY” followed by:

  1. Your name
  2. The building and room location, including the floor number, of the emergency;
  3. The nature of the emergency (fire, tornado, structural damage, weather-related, etc.)
  4. Whether injuries have occurred
  5. Whether outside assistance has been called
  6. Hazards present which may affect responding emergency personnel; A phone number at or adjacent to the scene where you (or the Supervisor) can be reached.

*Note: All life-threatening emergencies should be reported directly to 911, then contact DPS.  Other incidents should go through DPS.

Medical Emergency

CHECK the scene and person(s) involved

  • CALL- 911 or DPS @ 8118
  • Care for person(s)
  • First Aid supplies are available in the Library Staff Lounge
  • Let a library staff member or manager know what is happening

Evacuation & Tornado Plans

Evacuation Plan - Fire

  • Determine the safest escape route
  • Remain calm
  • Exit the building immediately and wait on Carpenter Circle (Morrison Circle for Glenn Bldg)
  • Wait for instructions.  Do not re-enter the building until the Emergency Director announces that it is safe to do so.

Tornado Plan

In the event of a tornado, take cover immediately.  If time allows, move to the Library basement or Glenn basement away from all windows and falling materials.  Staff will be available to assist you.

Lockdown Procedure

If campus is put on lockdown due to a dangerous situation, do the following:

  • Direct all patrons to either the computer lab or periodicals room on the lower floor
  • lock the door and turn out the lights
  • have everyone move away from the door
  • have everyone silence and put away their phones 
  • designate a person to watch for campus alerts on his/her phone
  • remain quiet in the room until campus sends a message that lockdown has ended

Suspicious Persons

Be aware of your surroundings:

  • Look up when patrons enter or leave the building. Make note of people you don’t recognize or who seem like visitors.
  • If someone looks lost or unfamiliar with the building, approach them and say, “Is there anything I can help you with?&rdquo
  • Know who is on the circulation desk and which staff member is responsible for the building during your shift.

Call DPS at x8118 first, then a library staff member if you notice suspicious activity, including:

  • Patrons hovering in an area for an extended period of time without any obvious reason (not reading, studying, or socializing)

  • Patrons you suspect might be concealing a weapon.

  • Patrons who walk quickly, avoid contact with staff, and attempt to hide somewhere in the library.

  • Patrons leaving suspicious bags, boxes, or briefcases around the library.

  • Patrons yelling at, threatening, or fighting with each other.

  • Patrons who exhibit signs of alcohol or drug abuse (slurred speech, loud voice, red or droopy eyes, lack of coordination, volatile behavior).

  • Patrons sexually harassing or making any unwanted advances toward other patrons.

  • Patrons you suspect of stealing or who set off the alarm and then flee.

Be receptive and respectful to anyone reporting suspicious activity:

  • Listen carefully, and write down everything they say. Your job is not to determine what happened, only to record what they relay to you.
  • Thank them for the information.
  • Call DPS immediately.

Use common sense:

  • Don’t buzz people in if they are not a member of the Transy community. Ask a library staff member or student manager to explain to patrons that the library is only open after-hours to members of the Transy community.
  • Don’t provoke someone who appears dangerous.
  • If someone is threatening you, give them what they ask for and then, call DPS after they leave.
  • Note the appearance of anyone you might have to describe to police later.
  • If necessary, call DPS discreetly by simply picking up the red phone and leaving it off the hook or by texting an officer at (859) 351-7343.

If you observe a suspicious person, call DPS @ 8118 immediately with a description of the person and their direction of travel. 

If there is a fight:

  • call DPS @ 8118 immediately
  • clear the area and remove all bystanders
  • get names and/or IDs of all witnesses and persons involved for reporting