The next chapter for library insurance
Libraries are not free from the noise of cyber, extreme weather and other modern risks.
Over the past several years, calls to increase book bans and control what content libraries can share have been on the rise. In fact, four of Publisher’s Weekly’s top five stories about libraries in 2022 focused on book bans and political censorship. But censorship wasn’t the only issue weighing on libraries in 2022. Library leaders, particularly those who operate in underserved communities also continued to feel the economic repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many applied for funds from federal or state grants as a result.
At the same time, many library leaders found new and innovative ways to bring resources to the communities around them. The ALA’s State of America’s Libraries report outlines how some libraries offered “vaccine hunting” services, helped residents navigate online vaccine appointment systems and offered free bus passes to those taking public transportation. Other libraries served as vaccine sites, turning spaces regularly used for meetings and private events into vaccination clinics. They also provided resources for community members to print forms, information and vaccine cards. Additionally, library leadership endeavored to provide resources beyond print content by offering free Wi-Fi, use of library computers and iPads, as well as complimentary classes on topics like internet basics and employment opportunities.
What to look for in 2023
While it is too early to say for certain whether book bans and censorship will be a challenge for libraries in 2023, the statistics point toward a continuation of the trend. As political tensions continue to rise across the U.S., many are predicting that this trend will continue in 2023. This could become an issue for libraries that choose to push back against bans.
For instance, in 2022 when the leadership of a Michigan library refused to ban a collection of books, local residents mounted a campaign to stop funding. Other libraries faced rising resignation rates as librarians were met with aggressive behavior and abuse. A continuation of book bans and other untoward behavior toward libraries and librarians could lead to labor and resource shortages in 2023.
Despite these potential challenges, there will be plenty of opportunities for libraries in 2023 to move into the future.
As architectural and design technologies evolve, more opportunities are available for libraries to go “green” in design and to better integrate the space within the community. Leadership of many libraries will likely choose to have more open spaces or outside spaces. For instance, the new Westchester Square Library in the Bronx, designed by world-renowned architecture firm Snøhetta will have a street-level garden that will double as a water retention and filtration system, as well as include solar panels, rainwater recycling, a “high-performance envelope,” and other energy conservation measures.
With increased book bans and the increased usage of technology such as e-readers, the way patrons consume technology is no doubt set to change. This has the potential to lead to a decline in books and book space within libraries. As books and book spaces decline, library leadership will adapt to offer patrons content in the way they want to consume it. This will lead to the loaning of higher-value media, such as iPads, e-readers, 3D printers and other resources.
Finally, library leadership will look to offer a wider variety of activities, events, services and entertainment in 2023. We saw the early stages of this in 2022 as libraries transformed into vaccine centers and provided health services for the community offering testing, tracing and vaccination.
In 2023, libraries will continue to expand upon the services they can offer patrons via outside services and events. For instance, this winter the Free Library Philadelphia is offering a host of activities and events for children and teens aged 0-18. Such events include reading to therapy dogs, STEM activities, scholarship workshops and more.
Major risks to consider
Unfortunately, new opportunities do not come without their own set of risks. As library leadership looks to evolve and draw in new patrons in the new year, agents and brokers should advise them on their changing risk exposure. A good insurance program specializing in risks unique to libraries can provide thorough risk assessments as well as tailored risk mitigation expertise. Agents and brokers should talk to their library prospects about these specialty programs and be sure to discuss the following risks with library policyholders:
- Cyber: While libraries do not typically store sensitive information, they are still targets of phishing, malware and other hacking activities. If a cybercriminal hacks into a library database, they could gain access to patrons’ home addresses and contact information.
Agents and brokers should suggest librarians stay vigilant and use best practices to protect library systems and patrons’ information. Librarians and other staff can enact routine protocols such as password protection, a dedicated email address, and specific authorization to access the database. Regular training to recognize and avoid phishing schemes will go a long way. Technology such as virtual private networks (VPNs) and firewalls can also provide a solid final wall of defense.
- Weather-related disasters: Like any other business, libraries are subject to losses, damages and/or destruction of property in the face of an event such as a flood, earthquake or fire. Agents and brokers should suggest that libraries have an emergency action plan (EAP) in place and that all staff are trained, knowledgeable and regularly practice the plan in the event of an emergency. This plan should include what to do with historic, sensitive and/or valuable library assets in the event of an emergency.
- Theft: As libraries begin to store and loan higher-value media, they will become more vulnerable to theft, particularly as they begin to advertise such items. Similar to cybertheft, insurers can recommend that librarians and other staff stay vigilant and use best practices to protect library goods. Recognizing what goods are susceptible to theft and how thieves may take them is a good first step.
LibFocus shared some suggestions on how to ramp up physical security within the library. Those suggestions include keeping thorough records of appointments, utilizing CCTV and other surveillance equipment, checking all items when returned and cataloging any damaged or lost pages and conducting regular inventory checks. Making it difficult to easily steal or simply slip out with library goods can significantly cut down on petty theft.
In addition to helping mitigate risk, agents and brokers should help libraries understand their policies. An insurance agent or broker, working with an insurance program specializing in libraries, will have the knowledge base to help their insureds understand what is covered, what isn’t and what should be. By following the above best practices and regularly communicating with their clients, agents and brokers can help protect libraries from whatever 2023 has in store.
Domenic Antinucci III, CPCU is program manager for MemorialPro and By the Cover, The Brownyard Group’s Cemetery and Library programs.
Opinions expressed here are the author’s own.
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