By Emily Galvelis
This article is an update to the article “New Procedure: New Nuisance?” in the June 2015 issue.
I remember hearing that an ID was necessary to enter the library starting late last year, but it wasn’t until this May, when I forgot my ID and ran into some trouble entering the library; at that moment, I began to question the library’s security system.
I recently asked the librarian at the front desk what the purpose of the sign in and carding system is and she gave me a few answers. The said purpose is to know how many people come in the library after school, to have a list of names in case of an emergency, and primarily to ensure security. What seems like an annoyance to me supposedly has a greater goal of optimum security, so the question is; does the current security system set in place at the library reach this goal, and how can the system be improved?
The library has had security gates since before I started at South, which set off an alarm if a book is stolen, this system is proven to protect against theft. Another precaution is the high amount of security cameras in and outside the school’s building to ensure safety from theft and general safety for students. But if these modes of security are still not apt and carding method is in need, I think the first place to start fixing it is at the front desk, not the library. Student ID cards could be kept with students at all times and South could use a card swiping system that I have seen at local private. By having them be a policy at all of South instead of just the library, this could be a way to ensure safety overall. Enforcing security only in the library has only made a hassle for students but enforcing security everywhere can improve after school safety campus wide.
This article is an update to the article “New Procedure: New Nuisance?” in the June 2015 issue.
I remember hearing that an ID was necessary to enter the library starting late last year, but it wasn’t until this May, when I forgot my ID and ran into some trouble entering the library; at that moment, I began to question the library’s security system.
I recently asked the librarian at the front desk what the purpose of the sign in and carding system is and she gave me a few answers. The said purpose is to know how many people come in the library after school, to have a list of names in case of an emergency, and primarily to ensure security. What seems like an annoyance to me supposedly has a greater goal of optimum security, so the question is; does the current security system set in place at the library reach this goal, and how can the system be improved?
The library has had security gates since before I started at South, which set off an alarm if a book is stolen, this system is proven to protect against theft. Another precaution is the high amount of security cameras in and outside the school’s building to ensure safety from theft and general safety for students. But if these modes of security are still not apt and carding method is in need, I think the first place to start fixing it is at the front desk, not the library. Student ID cards could be kept with students at all times and South could use a card swiping system that I have seen at local private. By having them be a policy at all of South instead of just the library, this could be a way to ensure safety overall. Enforcing security only in the library has only made a hassle for students but enforcing security everywhere can improve after school safety campus wide.