Long lines, poor maintenance among students’ top complaints over DLSU’s photocopying services

Since the start of this academic year, the Office of the Associate Vice Chancellor for Campus Services (AVCCS) has received various complaints from students regarding the photocopying services within DLSU. Among these involve the photocopying machine being unattended and the poor quality of photocopied materials. AVCCS Karen Hebron also notes that the sales from photocopying services have diminished over time.

Despite the drop in sales, students still avail of the photocopying services due to readings and other school requirements. Professors often leave their assigned readings in designated stations so that their students may easily avail of a copy. The service is also commonly used in the Learning Commons, where students have chapters of several books photocopied instead of checking them out.

Students weigh in on photocopying services

Nearly all students have availed of the photocopying services within the University, and despite 20 operating machines on campus, most believe that these are not enough. Students have begun to avail of photocopying services elsewhere, which affects the sales of photocopying services on campus. Additionally, Hebron speculates that the decrease may be attributed to students opting to download e-books or online copies of certain readings, or take photos instead of notes needed for classes.

Because many students need to photocopy thick piles of reading assignments or multiple chapters for books, long lines tend to form in front of photocopying stations. Other students have also mentioned the poor efficiency and quality of the photocopying machines. Students point out that the machines often break down or have paper jams, which can delay the photocopying process, making waiting times longer. Some have even reported receiving blurred and low-quality copies from the machines, even with the recent price hike. On January 11, the charge for each copy was raised from 60 cents to 75 cents.

“[The photocopying service] is not perfect but it’s also not a disaster. The issues with the photocopying machines just occur when there’s a massive influx of people. Usually, if you photocopy really late or early, it’s fine,” shares Chris*, a fourth year student from the College of Liberal Arts. He adds that the number of materials that can be photocopied should be limited in order to prevent this.

Many students suggest that there should be more photocopying machines per building and in the active zones of the University. Nikki Santos-Ocampo (III, APC) further suggests that the least that can be done is to regularly clean and maintain the machines. “Wouldn’t it be prudent to at least clean if not replace these machines that expunge those horrible fumes?” she poses.

Some students also believe that the photocopying machines are undermanned. Anna*, a fourth year student from the College of Business, states, “There is a need for alternating employee shifts, and it should also be taken into consideration that lunch times should also necessitate manpower. The reasons for unclear copies could be a result of having employees stay with long shifts in some areas.”

Ongoing plans

The University subcontracts its photocopying services to Filtrex Enterprises. Currently, the Campus Services Office is preparing for the bidding process for a new company. Further details on the bidding process will be disclosed by the office later on.

In the meantime, Hebron notes that the student body should look out for the opening of the student services space at the lobby of the Yuchengco building. The newly constructed spaces will house a business center that will provide student services such as photocopying, digital ID photo printing, bookbinding, and tarpaulin printing, as well as the Store from the Enrique Razon Sports Complex and the Animo Bookstore from Br. Connon Hall.

“Right now, there is still electrical work being done in those spaces. When that is finished, the concessions that will open there will also have to refurbish the area, so in total that would take around seven to eight months,” Hebron describes.