Things to consider before requesting card reader(s) for door(s) in your department

If you think your department could benefit from a card reader for certain doors please consider the following:

Departments are responsible for all expenses including the cost of the card reader, installation and integration, change of door hardware and locks.  The approximate cost per door is between $5,000-8,000. 

If a card reader will be added the locks to that door are going to be changed. NO keys will be issued.  If required, door hardware will be changed. A door closer will be added.

It is not permitted to prop a door with a card reader open. (An alarm will be triggered in Campus Safety).    

Think about how your department is going to manage door access after the card reader has been added. For instance, someone in your department will need to be responsible for requesting card access through the webform each time someone new needs access. It can take up to two business days for Access Control to grant access. 

In general electronic access will be considered for: 

• Life safety reasons, e.g. outside doors to enter a building
• Protecting assets, e.g. lab equipment or music instruments, hazardous waste or equipment that could be used to harm others
• Securing the Bates key system and cost efficiency
• The door/space is extremely difficult to manage

After you have done your research send an email to accesscontrol@bates.edu explaining in detail why you are requesting a card reader and how you plan to manage door access after the reader has been installed. 

If you have questions, or would like to consult on any of these items please contact us.