Student Employee Guide: Safety and Security

Patrons with Problems vs. Problem Patrons

The library divides problem encounters into two types: patrons with problems and problem patrons. Patrons with problems are just like you and me when we are having a bad day, car trouble, too much to do and too little time to do it in, or even something as simple as unrealistic expectations of what a public institution can provide. These people should be responded to as sympathetically as possible. We also offer our hospitality to people who have nowhere else to go during a large portion of the day. We do our best to accommodate them up to the point where they disturb other patrons. REMEMBER--Service is an Attitude.

Problem patrons may deserve some sympathy, but they tend to disrupt our activities and to abuse the privilege of library service. A problem patron is someone who disrupts the library, damages library property, or threatens library staff and patrons. The Library, because of its image as a quiet place, may attract some problem people who feel they can spend a lot of time here without being noticed. They can read, or pretend to read, while their real objective is something different. If you observe ANYONE whose behavior seems strange to you, report him or her to your supervisor or the person in charge of the circulation desk IMMEDIATELY. The patron in question may be someone the staff needs to watch closely.

Setting Boundaries and De-Escalating Situations

Sometimes people who are upset or behaving in problematic ways just need a reminder about our expectations for them as library patrons. Whenever possible, try to de-escalate situations and work collaboratively and positively with patrons to help resolve a situation. 

Some examples: 

• "Library fines are upsetting, and I'm sorry it's impacting your ability to register for classes. Can I take your name and contact information and have my supervisor follow up with you to resolve this issue?"

• "I can't give you information about my coworker's schedule, but I can take your name and contact info and pass on a message for you."

• "Masks are annoying, but they're required in the building. Please keep your mask on so we can all continue to be on campus in person!"

You can also always refer someone to your supervisor or excuse yourself from a situation at any point if you are uncomfortable. You do not need to handle situations on your own! Look out for your coworkers, ask for help if you need it, and remember that you can always call Security if you are working in the evenings or on weekends without a full-time library employee in the building and need support. 

Campus Security

The Mission of the University of Idaho Campus Security Team is to create and maintain a safe, secure campus and to provide a safe educational environment through a community approach to security as well as the promotion of personal safety and awareness and the deterrence of crime.

• Learn more about programs offered by the Campus Security Team or to contact Campus Security with a concern:
  • Email:  campus-security@uidaho.edu;
  • Phone: 208-885-7054 OR 208-874-7550
    • *Both numbers reach Campus Security directly. Second number can be used if first one is not working.

Additional Support

Occasionally emergencies aren't so pressing as to require Campus Security, or are more related to the Library and so would not require assistance from Campus Security. In such a case, with your supervisor not present, contact your supervisor.

• Circulation phone lists are available on Alisa or Victoria's desks at Circulation for those in Access Services.

Follow-Up

Make sure to tell your supervisor that you called security. Email your supervisor with a description of what happened, when, who was involved, and the outcome.

Dean of Students

The U of I Dean of Students Office has many resources for personal, familial, and other issues. These include:

• VandalCare reporting, a fully anonymous reporting resource that aims to provide assistance to people on campus who are struggling or distressed.
  • https://www.uidaho.edu/student-affairs/dean-of-students/vandalcare
• Center for Disability Access and Resources, the on-campus office that provides equitable access to U of I programs for students with a permanent or temporary disabilit:.
  • https://www.uidaho.edu/current-students/cdar
  • Phone: 208-885-6307
  • Email: cdar@uidaho.edu

Other campus resources

• Counseling and Testing Center, which provides a broad range of mental and physical health related services to the Vandal community:
  • https://www.uidaho.edu/current-students/ctc
  • Crisis counseling services:
    • 208-885-6716 and Press 3
    • Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline (call or text): 208-398-4357
    • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
    • NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Health) call: 800-950-6264 or text: 741741
• Vandal Health Clinic, which serves as the primary medical care provider for the Vandal community in conjunction with Gritman Medical Center. Patients may be treated on-site or referred to an appropriate specialist. Walk-in patients are taken but appointments are preferred:
  • https://www.uidaho.edu/vandal-health-clinic
  • Schedule an appointment by calling 208-885-6693
• Women’s Center, which supports gender equity on campus and across the world, and serves as a safe space for students of all genders and backgrounds on campus. The Women’s Center also runs the U of I’s Campus Violence Prevention Program:
  • https://www.uidaho.edu/diversity/edu/womens-center
• Vandal Food Pantry, which stocks food cabinets across campus with food, grocery bags, and information on other food resources. A full schedule of times and locations across campus is available on their website:
  • https://www.uidaho.edu/current-students/student-involvement/volunteer/food-pantry

Moscow community resources

• Alternatives to Violence of the Palouse, a community service to help survivors of domestic violence as well as educate the community. Services include 24-hour telephone or in-person crisis intervention; emergency, confidential shelter; legal and medical advocacy; individual and group support; information and referral; and community education:
  • https://atvp.org/
  • ATVP Hotline: 509-332-4357 or 208-883-4357
• Gritman Medical Center, the local hospital, which also runs Moscow Family Medicine and the Vandal Health Clinic. Gritman offers a wide variety of services throughout the community.
  • https://gritman.org/
• Moscow Food Bank is a food bank run by St. Mary's Catholic Church. All those who need assistance are welcome to visit:
  • Location & hours: 110 N Polk St., Moscow, ID, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday - Friday
  • Phone: 208-301-2733
  • https://stmarysparishmoscow.org/moscow-food-bank/
• West Side Food Pantry is a food pantry run by Inland Oasis, a local LGBTQA+ resource. All those who need assistance are welcome to visit:
  • Location & hours: 660 W. Pullman Rd., Moscow, ID; Saturday 11:00 AM–7:00 PM, Sunday 12:00–4:00 PM
  • Phone: 208-882-9499
  • https://www.inlandoasis.org/west-side-food-bank.html