UT Arlington Library Will Remove Entrance Keypads
The university plans to eliminate keypad entry systems at the Central Library starting October 5, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Remote Work
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Beginning October 5, 2026, the University of Texas at Arlington will remove entrance keypads at its Central Library. The move aims to improve building security and reduce entry wait times for students.
Why it matters
The change is intended to prevent unauthorized use of student Mav ID numbers while simultaneously speeding up access lines at the facility. By phasing out keypad entry, the university is moving to prioritize faster and more secure authentication methods.
MavExpress will operate a pop-up booth from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on October 5 and October 6, 2026, to assist students experiencing issues with their campus identification.
The players
University of Texas at Arlington
This public research university is the institution managing the transition of campus library access policies.
Central Library
This facility is the primary library building on the university campus currently undergoing the keypad removal process.
MavExpress
This is the university department responsible for managing student identification cards and access credentials.
The details
Students will continue to access the Central Library using tap and swipe entry systems following the removal of the manual keypads. Those who do not possess a valid Mav ID must present a government-issued photo ID to enter the building as a guest, though this status does not permit the use of library printing services.
Timeline
September 30, 2026: Students observed utilizing current keypad entry methods.
October 5, 2026: The Central Library officially removes all entrance keypads.
October 5-6, 2026: MavExpress provides pop-up assistance to students between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Market Landscape
The library's removal of keypads follows the broader campus-wide trend of replacing legacy authentication methods with contactless identification. This transition aligns the facility with modern university standards that favor high-speed, secure digital access over manual, error-prone entry systems.
Students should ensure their Mav ID is functional for tap or swipe entry before the October 5 deadline to avoid entry delays. Those without an active ID must be prepared to show a government-issued photo ID to gain access as a guest.
The takeaway
Transitioning away from manual keypads reduces the risk of credential theft and minimizes the time students spend waiting in line. Users should verify their physical ID cards work with tap and swipe readers to ensure uninterrupted library access.
Further reading
For more on evolving campus access technologies, visit Remote Work.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Shorthorn.
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