Construction at the USF Tampa campus Library began over spring break, implementing new security measures to improve campus safety. 

The renovations, including adding turnstiles and ID scanners, will mainly impact the entrance of the library, said Zibby Wilder, a spokesperson for the USF Libraries. 

Although construction was set to start last June, it was delayed due to permits for “tiny changes” that affected the whole process, Wilder said.

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Wilder said construction began during the week of spring break because of lower traffic. But the project won’t be completed until fall 2025.

“This is the initial construction,” Wilder said. “This is just the demolition part, so the rebuilding will take months.”

Wilder said she is unsure exactly what the construction process will look like — but said it will be a little “loud” for the time being. 

Anthony Truscello, a senior mass communications major, said he isn’t worried about the rebuilding being disturbing while he studies. 

“I think it will really improve the security on campus,” Truscello said. “It will be a positive change for students.”

Although the Library has only one entrance and exit, Wilder said five pairs of double doors and two single doors will be installed to help manage traffic flow more efficiently.

“Hopefully, it won’t be too much of an inconvenience and just make it a safer place for everyone to get their work done,” Wilder said. 

The renovations will include airport-style access gates “similar” to the turnstiles at Tampa International Airport’s terminals, Wilder said. The turnstiles don’t turn, they “slide.”

While IDs were already required, people will soon have to scan them to enter through one of the eight turnstiles. 

Visitors will be provided with temporary IDs upon request, Wilder said.

Library staff will be available to assist those who forget their IDs or encounter issues entering the building.

Related: USF Tampa Library celebrates its 50th anniversary 

The library will have a University Police substation transformed from an office space to provide a stronger law enforcement presence on campus, Wilder said. 

Truscello said extra security is “never a bad thing.”

“I like that there will be more added security,” Truscello said. “It will make the whole area feel a lot safer.” 

Wilder said the substation isn’t just for the library because it will give police presence in areas of campus that were previously “harder to service.”

“My guess is that the space will probably be transformed into something that has windows and has an entrance from the outside if students or anyone needs to go in to talk with the police,” Wilder said.

Related: USF Library renovations adding extra security to begin in the upcoming weeks 

Despite the temporary inconvenience, Wilder said the renovations will improve safety and the flow of traffic. She said the changes will be “good for everybody.”

“We hope people understand that there may be a little discomfort here and there, but it’ll be worth it in the end,” Wilder said. 

Wilder said she doesn’t know where the new door to Starbucks will be placed, but said the shop will remain there.

“The reconstruction will be nice for the staff that work in the area because it’s gonna make everything more accessible and welcoming,” Wilder said. “Overall, it’s going to make everything a bit more secure.”