One study commissioned in the UK estimated the average loss rate of libraries to theft at 5.3%.
The Association of College and Research Libraries has published a guideline regarding security and theft in special collections.
[7] Theft from libraries is typically prevented by installing electronic article surveillance alarms at the doors.
The document addresses important issues and gives strategies for libraries developing adequate security measures for special collections.
Books on topics such as sex and witchcraft are popular with thieves, as are guides for General Educational Development testing.
[12] In many cases, document thieves occupy positions of trust, or have established records of legitimate accomplishment, prior to their crimes.