Gone are the days when I could walk effortlessly to the USF Library from Muma College of Business. For this semester, at least.

This walk used to be seamless for me, fun even, now it’s just an inconvenience. 

Green scaffolding surrounds an eighth of the Library at the moment, making me walk all that of 100 steps further to get where I need to be. 

And after a full day of hiking to and from classes, taking the long way around the construction zone is the last thing I want to do.

If you’re a student also experiencing annoyances at the construction and renovations USF is seemingly constantly undergoing, here are some things that may change how you think about this whole situation. 

Related: Renovations, addition of security measures at USF Tampa Library expected to last until fall

Though irritating, the ongoing Library renovations are way beyond due and will benefit student safety in the long run. 

USF Library spokesperson Zibby Wilder said the Library is undergoing renovations to meet state-mandated safety improvements required for all state university libraries.

Wilder also said the entrance was not originally designed to handle the levels of traffic it does now.

Anytime I have found myself in the Library, it’s usually because I was slammed with class work. And for as long as I’ve been going to USF,  I’ve noticed how tightly packed it can be entering the Library.

Luckily, this shouldn’t be an issue any more as Wilder said entry and exit spaces are being widened to make it easier for students to come or go as they please.

Related: USF Tampa Library celebrates its 50th anniversary

“Other specific safety improvements being made to the Library include additions of stormproof windows and doors which will provide safety in severe weather events, such as tornadoes and hurricanes,” Wilder said.

And with the rate climate change is unfolding, it’s unlikely Florida’s extreme weather will disappear anytime soon. With back-to-back hurricanes last semester, our campus is in need of some storm-proofing measures.

Because these renovations will allow a larger capacity of students to enter the Library, concerns may arise about how to weed out those who aren’t supposed to be there. Because personally, I don’t want to share my school’s facilities with people who are not students or researchers.

Luckily, Wilder said there will be some newly implemented security upgrades, such as E-gates requiring a valid USF ID. 

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

Additionally, a police substation will also be added inside the Library near the Starbucks to better serve the east side of the Tampa campus. The Library is a place where there is much student traffic, so this addition can be beneficial in preventing crimes and can make reporting crimes more accessible. 

As of now, USF’s police station is on the corner of USF Genshaft Drive and East Fletcher Avenue. That’s closer to the Publix than it is to the main campus’ academic buildings. 

And with gun violence being a constant concern in the U.S., awareness around gun safety is super crucial, especially in a state with minimal gun laws. It will definitely be nice to have student safety reassured by the presence of campus police.

The Library renovations are not set to be complete until fall, which couldn’t come any sooner. 

With all these changes, the USF Library will be a safer place to learn, study and gather with fellow students.

After considering these things, I feel silly for complaining about the renovations that are for our own good, anyway.