At the University of New Mexico (UNM), thousands of community members and students use the services of the University Libraries (UL).

In order to maintain visitor safety, UL will install access control measures at library entryways. The three main campus libraries — Centennial Science & Engineering Library (CSEL), Fine Arts & Design Library (FADL) and Zimmerman Library — will install security gates, surveillance cameras and turnstiles.

The goal of the new system is to improve safety for everyone using library spaces, while simultaneously increasing protection of library collections, according to a university statement.

UNM community members will use ID cards to access the library facilities. Visitors outside of the UNM community can check in with library staff ahead of the turnstiles to enter the libraries.

The access control security system will include an ADA-compliant swing gate and will enable group access for campus events, such as tours. In the event of an emergency, the system is connected with the fire alarm systems within libraries and aims to allow safe and immediate exit.