This editorial represents the opinion of The Bona Venture staff.
It’s safe to say that nothing is as disheartening as that moment you look at your phone and notice its dwindling battery life. Fear of being disconnected from the outside world sets in, and an anxiety overtakes you at the thought of being unable to surf social media.
Technology Services recently partnered up with the Friedsam Memorial Library to implement a charging hub inside the library near the first floor computer lab to remedy some of these worries. Students now have the ability to charge their phones while working in the library. The hub features eight different cords with varying adapters to plug in to mobile devices. Not only is the unit located in an accessible location, it also provides convenience to students working in the library. However, only one unit is installed on campus. Investing in additional units for academic buildings and campus hotspots, like Café LaVerna and the Reilly Center, would prove highly beneficial to students.
In a world where so much communication occurs digitally, these hubs could ensure students always stay connected. Whether Bonnies use their phones to send and respond to emails, receive news updates or simply connect with friends, there are many positives to creating more charging hubs around campus.
Despite this, Michael Hoffman, executive director for information technology, said there are currently no immediate plans to install more stations.
“We may add more in other areas on campus if this initial unit is found to be benefiting our community,” he said. “The library staff is watching the unit to determine the level of use. We will likely make a determination at the end of the semester whether or not to pursue additional units.”
There are some downsides to the units, however. Although the stand features a disclaimer urging students to keep a watch over their phones while they charge, the hubs do increase the risk of stolen or misplaced phones. Additionally, the units only have a few cords for different devices, so unless a student is using an iPhone or Android device, it’s unlikely he or she could take advantage of the charging hubs.
While there are some negatives, it would be advantageous to students if more units were installed around campus, and it would also eliminate the nuisance of having to constantly carry around a personal charger. A quick charge is always a great boost for Bonnies on the go.
