Negligence

By Paul Anthony M. Eso
(Vol. XXVIII No. 17, Editorial Cartoon)

One of the populous spots inside the university is the NORSU library. For Norsunians, the books in the library are still the best reference in making their projects and assignments. For some, it is always a favorable place to study.

But before a student can enter the said library, a student should leave his belongings on the bagagge area. For University Librarian Pablita Munar, it is for the safety of the books and periodicals which the students might be taking home. Thus, she ordered that students can only bring limited items upon entering, while the rest will be placed in the shelves and will be guarded by student assistants (SAs).

But with the advent of modern technology, some Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras were placed inside the library to ensure safety to the properties of the students, and to lessen manpower. The librarian herself claimed that students need not worry about their belongings because the cameras will be helpful in identifying the culprit if anything is lost.

But students are still complaining to have lost something in the library. Why are there still cases of missing properties of students after leaving the said area? Was it because of plain negligence on the part of students, or pure disregard of authorities on the alarming situation?

Some Norsunians have already been suggesting to bring with them their properties inside the library to ensure its safety, but the authorities declined. The reason still goes the same. Why do not they just allow and trust the students to bring their valuables and to observe proper usage on library materials? It would be better to give it a try.

Meanwhile, authorities said that some Norsunians are picking the wrong thing because of too many bags being placed in the library shelves, but are students not vigilant enough with their personal things? What a lame excuse.

Moreover, they said that the cameras are weak during brownouts, so there is less possibility that the culprit will be known after the incident happened. It seems that they are taking their words back. Why are they letting students leave their properties behind without proper security?

Thus, there are two options. The students should be allowed to bring with them their belongings to observe proper security, or presume the SAs to guard students’ belongings.

If the first option will be granted, then the students should be responsible with their actions by taking care of the books that they have borrowed. The CCTV cameras should then be placed inside the library premises to watch over the students’ behavior. In that way, the proper usage of the cameras is highly realized.

Meanwhile, if the latter option will be good for them, then students’ belongings will be properly secured. The librarian and the office of security matters as well, need not worry with the limitations of the cameras installed and that the uncontrolled incidents will not happen again.

Negligence should never be an excuse. The administration and the students should work hand in hand for the safety of all. Let us stop blaming each other, and instead be responsible enough in observing what is right.