Central Forum Lockers: A Necessity or Nuisance?

Jane Antony | janesakura@gmail.com
the ridge
A NUSSU Publication
 

Photo: http://blurqueen-me.blogspot.com//

Semester Two at the National University of Singapore started with a number of changes – including a new locker system in front of the Central Forum bookstore.

There is a new rule in place that restricts students from bringing their bags into the bookstore, creating the need for lockers to store their bags and backpacks.

“This is only a temporary arrangement. The locker system will be in place only until end of January. The main reason is the start of term rush for books and texts,” Mr. Bin Hafaiz, a store personnel said.

“While dealing with a large number of students, both graduates and undergraduates, it is necessary to be well organised and more efficient. This helps us ensure safety of their personal belongings,” he added.

“While there might be some inconveniences, this system helps us assist the students better,” Mr. Joel K. M., another store representative mentioned.

He elaborated, “With limited spaces and high stacks of books piled everywhere, there is chaos when the store is packed to the maximum. People walking in with big bags just add to the congestion.”

“Now with the lockers in place and the queue system where people are served in turn, we are able to get through the student’s demands in a more systematic manner and the store as such functions better. And it saves both our time and the customer’s,” he concluded.

Himavad Gopal, a second-year electrical engineering student said, “Last semester the store was really crammed and it took me ages to find what I wanted. This is a definite improvement.”

Akshita Ganesh, a first-year student from Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences said, “Though it may seem more practical it is a bit of a nuisance. I had to leave my bags in a locker and forgot my booklist was in there,”

“Also, it is difficult to browse through titles with my mobile and purse in one hand,” she added.

Zac Suresh, a first-year mechanical engineering undergraduate feels “It is fine they are taking measures to prevent shop theft considering the fact the forum sells expensive books, even if it may be a little inconvenient.”

“But a more proficient and less cumbersome method would be to mimic the screening procedure followed in the library,” he added.

Vani Goyal, a first-year undergraduate from the School of Computing said, “I guess security is important. It is better to face a little inconvenience than lose anything valuable.”