With all the recent news revolving around the security at the UM Library, we have the most recent updates on the situation, from a recent meeting with KSU and the Library Administration.
When asked about their reactions to the current security crisis at the library, the Library Administration claimed to have been working on the security issue for years, however theft and irresponsibility from the students’ side has always been a prominent setback to their endeavors. Although there are only about 40 lockers left available to date, originally there were 120 lockers implemented. The decrease was due to many students never returning the key for the lockers. Even after €8000 were spent to change the locks the same situation occurred. In fact, the theft of keys is still a prominent issue to date despite the fines imposed on those are caught doing so. That said, the library admins acknowledged that the pigeon holes are ineffective; however they still cannot be taken away as a lot more lockers would be needed to replace them.
With regards to the security measures being taken at the moment, both the cameras and the security staff were deemed to be ineffective.
The thieves cannot easily be identified from camera footage, and the security staff would not be able to discriminate between stolen or owned belongings. Library admins also claimed that it is not the responsibility of the security staff to make sure students’ belongings are not stolen; rather their sole responsibility is to prevent theft of books. Another system of tagging the belongings was introduced as a trial for some time. This system was very effective in terms of security and vastly diminished theft. In spite of its seeming success, it was shortly and abruptly stopped after a brief trial-run as the Library admins claimed that it congested too much traffic of students near the entrance.
The Library admins have confirmed that a long-term solution is in the works, which however, would take a lot of time to be adopted.
The plan would be to expand the storage area and install 450 electronic lockers worth €100,000 in place of the pigeon holes. The lockers would operate with a keypad; thereby eliminating the issue of keys being stolen. Whilst it was ascertained that funds are not an issue; this plan would take time to be put in place due to a lengthy legal process to back it up.
Another optional solution was discussed of an RFID system, where the books would be chipped and gates installed at the exit to prevent theft. This would also mean removing the ‘No Bags’ Policy. This, however would be a more expensive solution estimated at around €1.5 million.
KSU also opted for a short-term solution to the storage issue. They offered to move the coin-operated lockers they have at student house to the library. This is an experimental, short-term solution which would be a precursor to the eventual installation of the electronic lockers.
UPDATE: as of this week library security have also started obliging students to take their valuable belongings up with them if they decide to leave their bags in the pigeon holes or near the entrance.
Aside from the security and storage issues discussed during the meeting, it is also confirmed that KSU is working with the UM Library to get a functioning 24/7 study area. The location in question for this area would be the Library basement, however it would require heavy refurbishment and co-operation on IT Services’ and UM Administration’s sides. That said, the process is very much in the long term.