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Security checks

I just wondered if anyone else finds the security checks an annoyance. I just wondered why they had been brought in when there had been no recent change in the UK security status. Other venues such as the British Museum do not require them so why does the BL? Could the Forum raise this formally with BL Management for an explanation? Could holders of Readers Tickets be fast-tracked through?

‹ Easter Hollida The Building Manager & Reception ›

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These checks are an on-going

These checks are an on-going annoyance but they are not unique to the BL. The Wellcome and other places also do them.

They are related to the number of receptions and events that are being staged in the entrance hall etc. The people who insure these insist that the premises be 'secure'. That is the root cause.

Readers should be aware of a couple of things.

Firstly, and most importantly..Female Readers are entitled to insist on a Female bag-checker. This is a matter the PCS are already lobbying management about so we (readers and staff, as in many areas) have a common interest here.

The people employed are casual agency staff. Not a matter that PCS are happy about but the vast majority of them are pretty good.

The problems seem to arise when new people are 'started'. As far as I can ascertain they are given very little training, They are therefore (being employed as casuals) a bit zealous and keen to impress.

So maybe we readers can help a little bit by understanding this.

We have all experienced the problems caused by casualisation of BL staff. It is upper management that should carry the blame for this. Not the poor so'n'so's who have to deal with us.....

I wonder, you know, if the

I wonder, you know, if the security checks are actually no more than simply a way for the BL to monitor the amount of people entering the building. Then, by counting how many people are in the reading rooms (as they frequently do) they can see how many people are using the facilities without using the reading rooms. Just a suggestion.

How could these security

How could these security checks be effective? If one were to bring in explosives in order to blow up the reading room, any intelligent terrorist would tape them to his/her waste. If one were to bring in "any sharp object" (to peal an apple?) any intelligent perpetrator would tape it to his/her leg.

These security checks are not effective at all and a complete waste of time, unless the BL would also introduce full body checks, extensive bag searches, scanning devices, including separate cubicles for ladies. After all, it appears that with the right combination of liquids one could rustle up deadly cocktails. Is the BL going to forbid liquids in hand luggage like Heathrow does?

As a matter of fact, maximum collateral damage would be achieved by blowing oneself up in the morning queues which these irritating and totally superfluous security checks tend to generate.

I've heard several comments

I've heard several comments from readers complaining that the BL has dramatically increased its security in light of the Sacred exhibit and that this extra security is contracted out to a private firm that are heavy-handed and officious with readers. I will check into this and ask the Management for a response.

There was also heavy

There was also heavy security in the lead-up to the opening (by the Queen?) of the new Eurostar terminal, which is fair enough.

But that doesn't explain the continued level of bag searching ... I wonder if they are simply trying to deter Eurostar users from using the BL locker-room as a free and very convenient place for left-luggage?

In fairness the staff doing

In fairness the staff doing the checking are efficient and courteous. I would just question whether such checks are needed and how effective they are. Or why the BL thinks it needs them and other institutions do not.