The traditional "door lady" has been replaced by an electronic guard in a dormitory at Shanghai Songjiang University City. 

 

And in the future more electric door guards may replace "door ladies."

 

The electronic door guard system operates by way of an IC card with students using them to enter. Each resident student is issued with an IC card with their personal information stored on it. This includes material like the card-holder's name, major, grade and even the time of entry will be stored on them. The new style security door is also been equipped with a "digital eye" to take video 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

 

With the new "door guard" already on duty students are discussing the pros and cons of the latest innovation in community forums. Some complained that having to take their IC card everywhere was inconvenient and that the system was unreliable. They told of times the system failed to recognize them and they'd to call repair workers.  

 

Others say the former door lady was more flexible and gave them a sense of "home." If a student had to stay out late to study or for other reasons the door lady would wait and let them in if they told her beforehand. Or when students' parents came to visit the door lady would let them enter. But now these conveniences were lost.  

 

But students admit the electric door guard is much safer as it prevents thieves as well as unwelcome salesmen from entering their dorm. Because of this the electric door guard had its advantages.

 

The school's authorities say the new system requires to be improved and that students need time to get used to it. The school has said it will consider the inconveniences brought about by the system and attempt to solve them.

 

But on the whole the system seems to be good for students living in the dorm building.

 

(CRI November 23, 2006)