3M Detection System 3500 Series, Operator'S Manual

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3M Detection Systems
Training Your Staff
2-3
3M 2000–2008
Unwanted Alarms
3M detection systems are virtually free of false
alarms. Occasionally your detection system may alarm
and your staff may find that the patron does not have
unauthorized library materials. The patron may have
carried items with active strips into the library.
“Unwanted alarms” may be caused by active security
strips on items carried into the library. If the following
items have active security strips, they may cause
unwanted alarms:
Books from another library or book store
Audio and video cassettes from video rental and
music stores
Other items from retail stores
Users of other security systems may check out, lend,
or sell protected items without desensitizing the
security strips. These items will cause unwanted
alarms as the patron enters or exits your library.
Unwanted alarms will cause concern and added work
for the library staff. Unwanted alarms are generally
infrequent and will vary depending on the patrons and
on the proximity of your library to locations that are
releasing materials containing active security strips.
Because it is not possible to distinguish between
unwanted alarms and alarms with potential book loss,
all responses to alarms must be consistent and follow
your management policies. If patrons see no response
to alarms, the detection system becomes less effective.
When you decide that an active strip on an item from
outside your library caused an alarm, follow these
steps:
1. Explain the problem to the patron.
2. Verify that all of the patron’s library materials are
properly checked out.
3. Allow the patron to exit the library.
Many patrons will learn from the experience and will
not carry items that may cause alarms into the library.
2.5 System Alarm Log
The System Alarm Log is used to keep a record of
alarms that occur. Refer to the end of this manual.
For each alarm, record the information on the log.
Keeping this log up-to-date provides a key tool for
monitoring system activity. An up-to-date alarm log
provides useful information for your management and
your 3M service representative.
2.6 Telling users that security is in use
Included with this manual are labels you may choose
to post on or near your electronic security device, as
suggested by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
We suggest that you post these labels both near, and
directly on, your electronic security device so they are
visible before an individual enters the monitored area.