Crime at micro-places in public libraries

• Public libraries are multifunctional places where visitors come to borrow books, usecomputers and socialise—all these activities impose a diverse set of safety demandson those responsible for these facilities. Drawing from environmental criminologyand CPTED principles, this study proposes and tests a conceptual model to investigate the spatiotemporal nature of crime and other safety-related incidents in publiclibraries. Incidents recorded by personnel from 2017 to 2020 from two public libraries in Stockholm, Sweden are mapped using a three-dimensional model in CAD andcompared with notes from feldwork inspections and interviews with library personnel. Findings show that staf feel safe in the library, but mention unsafe situationsthat they avoid by taking precautionary measures. In addition, public disturbances,aggression, followed by crimes against property and vandalism vary both temporallyand across diferent types of library environments. The design and layout of public libraries play a role in the libraries’ safety conditions (e.g. territoriality, surveillance opportunities), but some places are more challenging than others because ofthe activities they attract (e.g. entrances). The study concludes by critically assessing the proposed methodology and making suggestions to improve safety in publiclibraries and advance the role of place managers in multifunctional places.

Nyckelord

Ofences

Micro-places

Risky facilities

CPTED

Place managers

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)