Researchers collected data through a national survey of libraries, good practice inquiries, and participation in a countywide library security initiative. The report examines the extent of loss and damage to books in U.K. libraries, and investigates causes of loss, including nonreturns, theft by staff, and book mutilation. The loss to British libraries could be minimized through loan management practices that included monitoring and follow-up, promotion of borrower responsibilities, fines policy, book recovery, and book amnesties. Thefts from library premises could be reduced through security tagging devices programs aimed at decreasing opportunities for theft, and harsher penalties for offenders. 2 appendixes and 22 references