Karazin University Strengthens Library Collection Security

The Security and Protection Department, in collaboration with the Central Scientific Library of V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, has completed a series of measures aimed at enhancing the security of the library’s collection. These actions were taken in response to the potential threat of rare book theft, signs of which were first detected in April 2021.

The implemented measures include:

• Installation of additional surveillance cameras in the reading hall of the Central Scientific Library;
• Strict access control to the rare book collection, including verification of requests from unfamiliar individuals;
• Staff training on identifying suspicious visitor behavior;
• Cooperation with law enforcement agencies, particularly the National Police of Ukraine’s unit specializing in combating the illegal trade of cultural assets.

These measures have helped prevent significant losses to the university library, especially considering the large-scale thefts of rare books that affected national and university libraries in 10 European countries, including Ukraine, between 2022 and 2024. The estimated value of the stolen books reaches millions of euros.

Thanks to vigilance and timely decisions, the Karazin University Library remains well-protected, preserving its unique literary heritage for future generations.