USF Library renovations including extra security to begin in the upcoming weeks

*The $2.7 million project designed to improve accessibility and safety will begin in the next two weeks and conclude in May 2025 ORACLE PHOTO/WILL RAINSBERGER*

Renovations to increase security and access at the USF Library in Tampa will begin in the next two weeks.

The building’s new entrance will feature 10 automatic doors as well as eight airport-like turnstiles requiring a USF ID for entry, according to Dean of the USF Libraries Todd Chavez.

“If you’re here, you’ve got to have an ID, okay? The student handbook makes it a requirement to carry your USF ID at all times. We’ll let you in twice, but after that, you need to bring your ID,” Chavez said.

Originally intended to begin in May, construction will now occur in phases in an effort to preserve access to the Library throughout the entire process. The project should finish in 2025, according to Chavez.

“The mission is for us to make free and open access to the building, and at the same time make sure its safe access,” Chavez said.

The $2.7 million renovation is funded through the USF Library personal fund as well money from the legislature, Chavez said.

University Police will also have an increased presence in the front of the Library following construction via a station in the lobby. This change can be attributed to threatening situations at other Florida secondary institutions, Chavez said.

At the end of the day, Chavez said the foremost priority is the students.

“Our community is different. There’s a lower level of anger. But you know, it’s not impossible. So we just want to be sure,” Chavez said.“We have a community mission as well, and we take it seriously. That mission is to protect the community.”

Although no shootings have occurred on campus recently, there have been instances of off-campus violence, such as the shooting at a hotel 0.2 miles away from campus this summer.

Additionally, a man with a gun was spotted on campus in a road rage incident in which he pulled a gun out on a second driver in January.

The new doors will also be more storm resistant than the current doors as the glass will be fortified to handle the rigor of major hurricanes, Chavez said.

While safety is a primary concern, the main reason for the change in the Library lobby is to improve access, Chavez said.

“These doors were never designed for this level of traffic. You probably know that traffic has increased recently… This year has a quicker, busier start than most, back to pre-Covid levels,” Chavez said.

Dave Rosa, head of security and operations at the USF Library said that the front desk is 10-15% busier than this time last year.

In addition to improving access, the modified Library entrance will now house the USF Card Center, currently located in the Student Services building.

Rather than traveling to the Student Services building to receive a new ID, students will be able to talk to attendants at the service desk in the Library. The process will remain the same, but the location will be more convenient.

The turnstiles will also allow USF Libraries to track real time data about the number of people in the building.

“It’s less about controlling the flow and more about knowing the flow,” Chavez said.“It helps us with planning things like improving furniture, which is something we want to do.”

Chavez also plans to renovate the fourth floor to have the same layout as the fifth floor, which means they need to be aware of flow in and out of the Library.

The fourth floor now features limited seating and outlets for students, whereas the fifth floor is designed for individualized study as it is equipped with solo desks rather than group tables.

The remodeled fourth floor will also contain extra reading rooms designed for conferences.

Although the budget for the fourth floor renovation is not yet confirmed, it will be higher than the $2.7 million spent on the lobby project, according to Chavez.