Over the past two semesters we have read Allen Roscoe’s column with faith and pleasure. His writing is both intelligent and entertaining as he questions the happenings and policies of our fine university. We were, however, greatly disappointed with his April 13 column addressing NIU’s “bureaucracy.” We are speaking directly about his mentioning and attempted slaughter of the library security personnel. Mr. Roscoe’s statements were misleading and showed strong signs of ignorance.

The library security staff plays a much larger role than he or most other people realize. Theft of materials is a major concern, but mutilation is number one on our list, as it should be of all library users. If there was no security staff and patrons brought in food and drink, there would be no end to the damage caused. A spilled drink can greatly damage a book, table or the carpeting. The book would require replacement and the funiture would have to be cleaned by a greatly understaffed custodial crew.

A member of this crew estimated that the presence of security personnel saves the library, thus the university, $200 to $300 per day in custodial services—services that would probably be unobtainable due to strict budgets. If this service was necessary yet not available, the library would be in a constant state of disaster.

Also, if the staff was not present to maintain order, the chatter of inconsiderate patrons would greatly reduce the quality of studying available.

We will agree with Mr. Roscoe in one way: it is silly to need personnel to maintain simple rules to protect the library and the rights of its users. But since a great number of people cannot abide by these rules, our jobs are necessary. These are the facts.

Finally, if he was unhappy with “Barney Fife’s” performance, he should have filed a complaint with his supervisor. Knowing that “Barney” was upholding the law, however, the sheriff would most likely side with his deputy.

Blake Wheaton

freshman

undecided

Allan Munsie

junior

music

Library Security Personnel