Security
Library Security staff are responsible for ensuring the safety and protection of all individuals, their belongings and University property. Security Staff are located at the entrance/exit area of the Mugar Memorial Library. In addition, Security staff routinely patrol the building and are identifiable by the burgundy blazers they wear. Feel free to ask for assistance at any time. The Security staff can also be reached at the Security Desk (617) 353-4012 or the Security Office (617) 353-4015.
Personal Property and Safety
Lost and Found
Lost and Found for the Mugar Memorial Library is located at the Circulation Desk. Items recovered by patrons and staff should be turned in to Lost and Found, where owners of the lost/misplaced items can claim them. Items of lesser value, e.g., books, clothing, glasses, identifications, keys, etc., can be claimed at the Circulation Desk. Items of greater value, e.g., calculators, headsets, jewelry, wallets, personal computers, etc., can be claimed at the Security Office.
Be careful! Not Everyone In The Library Is There To Study!
The Problem:
Thousands of dollars worth of personal property is stolen yearly in the United States from patrons using academic libraries. Most stolen property was left unattended by its owners. A thief typically needs no more than fifteen seconds to steal something. The phrase "I only left for a minute..." is commonly heard by Security Staff.
The Solution:
Reduce The Opportunity For Theft
Please help deter theft by not leaving personal property unattended. When you leave your study area, take your property with you or ask someone you know to watch your belongings while you're away.Communicate
If you see anyone acting suspiciously or inappropriately, or if you are the victim of a theft, please contact the Security staff immediately. Be prepared to provide a report of the incident and a description of the suspect(s) involved. Security staff can be located at the Security Desk at the library entrance/exit or at the Security Office located behind the Circulation Desk. Security staff patrolling the building can also assist.
Library Property
Bag Checks
The Mugar Memorial building averages 10,000 patron visits daily. All patron bags are subject to inspection. A quick check at the exit is all that is needed to determine if a more detailed inspection is necessary. While we do understand that having your bags checked at the exit can be cumbersome, the checks are intended to assure that all library material leaving the building is properly charged out. The benefits to the Boston University community far outweigh the inconveniences. Statistics have shown that this method works. It is very possible that one or more of the library materials you have used in the past or will use in the future has been retained because of a bag inspection.
Quiet Please
The Library is the principal place on campus where many people read and study. Please be considerate of others by keeping noise and conversation to a minimum. For information on group study areas please contact the University Information Center at (617) 353-2169. Thank you for your cooperation.
No Food and Beverage
Food and drinks are potentially very harmful to library collections and furnishings. Please refrain from bringing any food and beverages into the building. Thanks for your cooperation.
Reporting Emergencies
Boston University encourages everyone to report promptly and accurately, to the Mugar Security Department, all criminal incidents and safety-related emergencies occurring at the following libraries:
- Astronomy Library - 725 Commonwealth Avenue
- Frederick S. Pardee Management Library - 595 Commonwealth Avenue
- George H. Beebe Communication Library - 640 Commonwealth Avenue
- Mugar Memorial Library - 771 Commonwealth Avenue
- Pickering Educational Resources Library - 2 Sherborn Street
- Science and Engineering Library - 38 Cummington Street
- Stone Science Library - 675 Commonwealth Avenue, Room 440
To report an incident occurring on other University property, please contact the Boston University Police at (617) 353-2121.