Museum Security and Protection

Security is a major problem faced by museums of all sizes, from the smallest to the greatest. Protection from theft and intrusion, protection from fire, pretecting of the collections from damage and decay are major concerns. So too is the protection and management of visitors, who must also be secured from hazard. The Manual of Museum Security , published by the International Committee for Museum Security, provided the best basic guide to security issues. Now, more than doubled in size, with comprehensive coverage of every aspect of security issues that confront museums, this new handbook is essential reading for museum and cultural heritage professionals everywhere. The philosophy of the new book is that security is the responsibility of all who work in museums: “security thinking” is essential for curators, managers, and all other staff, since security affects ther day to day work. This book, written and presented in a clear and simple form, making extensive use of checklists and question and answer sessions, establishes new standards of museum security practice for use worldwide. None of the proposals relate only to large and well endowed institutions.
The book proposes that each institution defines the methods and style of security which is suitable for its needs and resources. Within that definition, it sets out the essential principles of “best practice” that should always be followed. Museum Security also sets out a full guide to disaster planning, from war and human agency, or natural causes. Museum security is designed for all cultural heritage institutions, including gardens, parks, and archaeological sites.