Secure from Security?

["Sarah Talley" <stalley@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

The Utah State Archives (along with the rest of the agencies on Capitol Hill in Salt Lake City) is converting to a magnetic card key/ID badge system.  We have not had ID badges previously.  They have a photo, the employees' full name, agency, etc. and are to be displayed at all times.

One of the archivists in the reference room is concerned about having her full name displayed to patrons.  This is a particular concern for her because she's the only person with her last name in the phone book, but her supervisor and I think this has the potential to be a bad thing for anyone.

The system has been set up by our parent agency, and they're already taking the photos.  It would help me if I could present some alternatives.  I would appreciate hearing how other institutions have dealt with balancing the privacy and safety of staff with identification for security purposes.

Thanks.


Sarah Talley
Preservation Archivist
Utah State Archives & Records Service
P.O. Box 141021
Salt Lake City, Utah  84114-1021
U.S.A.
phone:  801-538-3186
fax:  801-538-3354
e-mail:  stalley@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Visit our website -- http://www.archives.state.ut.us