Campbell Library implements new security system

With finals approaching, the Campbell Library is implementing a new security policy that will require students to swipe their identification cards at the door.

The policy requires Rowan community members to swipe their Rowan ID card in order to gain access to the library between the hours of 6 p.m. to closing. ID cards must be swiped at the lobby door on the Route 322-side of the building.

“My main concern as the Dean is that when people are in the library, they feel secure…This didn’t just happen.  It’s been a longstanding effort,” said Dean of Library Services Bruce Whitham.

According to Whitham, the death of Donnie Farrell nearly two years ago prompted the new policy idea. Once enough funds were allotted, the security system was promptly installed.

The system, completed April 1, isn’t taking effect till Monday, May 3 so that students are properly informed about the new policy. The swiping system will automatically activate at 6 p.m. every day.

“I think the new policy is a great precaution method and will make most students feel safer,” said Alicia Cunningham, a junior psychology major. “We already have to swipe our ID’s for food, the gym, printing and certain other buildings, so why not the library?”

The policy comes just in time for finals week. The library will now remain open until 1 a.m. Monday through Thursday, rather than midnight.

“Adding more cameras and improving existing ones are also on our list of things to do,” Whitham said.

According to Whitham, there have been no crimes, break-ins or thefts at the library; the new security policy is simply a proactive measure.

Despite finals week, the new security system will have no effect on the library’s normal operating hours. However, some students are still not happy with the weekend hours at the library.

“I always have a ton of homework to do and the short hours on Friday and Saturday are a real inconvenience,” said Tom Contino, a senior computer science major.

Whitham attributes the short hours to a lack of weekend staffers and a decrease in the number of students utilizing the library on weekends, particularly Fridays. However, Whitham isn’t ruling out extending the weekend hours in the future and said he’d like Sundays to stay open till midnight as well.

For additional information on the new security policy or library hours, please contact library services at 856-256-4800 or visit the Campbell Library.