Dear whom this may concern,

I would like to express my deep frustration regarding an incident with the security guard who was on duty today (27/09/11) at 1:05pm at the Biological Sciences Library. I was in the bottom floor printing area and saw the pens at the desk that appeared to be free to take. I took 2 as I thought this pen would be great to take to the wards as a medical student, as it has the name of UQ on it and would appear more professional. There was no sign indicating how many were allowed. As I was leaving the printing area, my boyfriend who was with me decided to take a pen too. At the moment my boyfriend reached his hand out, the security scolded us and said in a harsh tone that it was only "1 per customer", and that I had already taken 2, so my boyfriend was not allowed to take one himself. This was not the problem however, and I accept that the pens may be 1 per person. I tried to explain to him my situation and that I wasn't at St Lucia campus often. However he said in a raised accusatory tone - "I hate people who are so greedy and take a handful of pens!!!".

I would have greatly appreciated this information (one per person) if it was said in a tone that was not as demeaning, as well as not being called greedy by a person who would not listen to me. If this is a problem that the security guard faces often, then perhaps he should make a sign that says "1 per customer". When my boyfriend tried to talk to him more to understand the situation, the security guard wanted to escort him out and would not let him talk, saying "just go" repeatedly.

I believe that such a simple problem like that did not need to be dealt with in such a way. In fact it felt like we were being treated like criminals and needed to be escorted out of the library for taking 3 pens for 2 people. It also seems like there has been a problem with the attitude of the security guard/s that work in the BSL, judging from previous feedback. They may have the right to ensure that rules are kept to, but it is the WAY in which they enforce the rules and the poor attitude that is the problem. It is a library in a world renowned university, and as students we should feel safe and respected in the place that we are learning to become professionals ourselves.

I hope that this issue can be reflected to the security company and changes WILL occur to prevent situations like this from happening again (it can really ruin someone's day). I must emphasise again that the enforcing of any rules is definitely good (for my safety and the safety of other students), but if this is done in a demeaning way then it is not ok.

The name of the security guard can be provided if required.

Kind regards,
Laurel

P.S. Thank you for the pens! :)