I entered the State College community fairly recently. And some of my professors and fellow students warned me in advance not to expect too much. But there is one feature of the University Park community that I would like to bring to your attention.

I noticed the library system uses a tag and scanner system to make sure that no library books are inadvertently removed from the libraries without proper checkout. And, as far as I can tell, that system seems to work well.

All of the Penn State libraries depend upon the scanner system to keep the library patrons honest and compliant. However, Pattee also requires its patrons to open their bags for inspection. This inspection is merely a quick glance or shuffle through the contents of one's backpack or bag. The attendants usually see books -- which can be personal textbooks for courses or other personal bound items -- but no attempt is made to determine if those books belong to the library. The attendant depends on the scanner to determine who owns the books.

Which raises the important question, why request that the bags be open for inspection -- especially when items that are obviously books are not specifically checked? Or why not let patrons attempt the scanner first, and then, if the alarm, goes off, hand check bags? The questions is, what are the librarians looking for?

I did submit a note about the searches in the library suggestion box last semester, but heard nothing further on the subject.

If we are being frisked for guns and alcohol, why are we being frisked on the way out? Does anyone know where I can rent a boa constrictor, and is it illegal to carry one around campus if it is carefully kept in one's backpack?

I could go on about the inspections, but mostly it's just annoying and seems useless. If the librarians are looking for specific items, perhaps they could post a list of the items for which they are searching. And if they do intend to continue, then perhaps they should search more thoroughly. They could also put up sign's at the entrance that those patrons intending to leave should arrive at the exit gate I5 minutes early to provide enough time for a thorough search.