By: Nikki Chasteen
As an NSU student, I have had several classes in the Alvin Sherman Library. This semester, I have three of my six classes in the library. I enjoy classes in the library. My classes have always been on the first floor and I like being able to access computers and printing services before class. Unfortunately, I have one major peeve with the library any time I need to use it: There is only one entrance on the west side of the building.
I work in the Horvitz Administration building this semester and tend to park in the Horvitz parking lot, as it is closer than parking in the garage. Any time I am coming from my on-campus job to class in the library, I can only get in by walking all the way around to the front –the only entrance to the library.
Prahasi Kacham, a computer science master’s student, said, “Allowing students to use the doors near the classrooms on the first floor would enable students to make it to class more quickly when they are running late.”
One day I decided to count the number of doors I pass while making my way to the front. On the south side of the building alone, there are six doors. The West End Deli has two doors that lead to the back of the library. However, they seem to only be emergency exits.
Claudia Stevens, sophomore biology and sociology double major suggested having usable doors where the West End Deli is located, and I completely agree. There are countless times I want to grab a coffee or yogurt before class in the library, but I must walk all the way around to the front, just to walk all the way to the deli despite passing eight doors closer to the deli three minutes before. Three minutes may not sound like a lot of time, but sometimes you only have 15 minutes in between classes.
While it is necessary to have multiple exits available in emergency situations, it seems that at least a few of these exits could be opened for students to use when walking from the east side of campus to the library.
To get to the bottom of the mystery behind why the library only has one usable entrance, I reached out to the Public Safety office who referred me directly to the Alvin Sherman Library staff. Unfortunately, although I contacted the library several times, the library has not reached out to clarify the reason they have only one usable entrance.
Justina Joseph, a junior biology major, said, “Having a separate door by the kid’s section would be nice so it is easier for families to get in and out without disturbing students who are trying to study.”
While we love that NSU opens itself up to the community and our library is open to the public, sometimes there are class trips, or parents bringing their children to the library at various times during the day. It would streamline entering the library for those trying to go to class versus those headed to an exhibit or the children’s section. Having separate entrances for students and non-students would be helpful for all parties using the library.
