This article originally ran in Student Life on April 28, 2006.
Finals are fast approaching and students are flocking to the library. It will be days before some of them see genuine sunlight. While not everyone enjoys studying there, those that do are dedicated and strict in their code of conduct. Study spots are marked and outsiders are soon detected.
“People get possessive of the library,” said seasoned library studier Whitney Lesch (who prefers the second floor, right hand, window study carrels), “and the influx of studiers around finals gets annoying.”
With the increased load of studiers in the library, and the increased workload on students, library manners can sometimes fall by the wayside. Remember the two-inch whisper the librarian made you use? There may be no librarian to enforce such rules anymore, but it is clear that an unwritten code of library etiquette exists. So before packing up the books, laptop and provisions to camp out in “the lib,” consider these tips and remember to mind your manners.
Volume: Just like in elementary school, the library is a place for indoor voices. While most people don’t talk loudly in the hallowed halls and rows of books, whispering isn’t always so quiet. The classic loud annoying whisper is a pet peeve to many, so make sure to keep your indoor whisper at a restrained decibel level.
Noises: The library is usually quiet enough to hear an orgo notecard drop, but there are an assortment of irksome noises that can pollute the silent atmosphere. Among these are loud nose blowers and the occasional snorer. Library users are also encouraged to turn off their AIM sounds and computer noises. No one wants to hear the Windows start-up noise or the Word paperclip constantly tapping on your screen.
Cell phones: The signs on the doors say it, but people still forget to turn their phone off or put it on silent. Even with it on silent, library studiers consider it an affront when people answer and talk before exiting to the stairwell. Two words: text message.
Food: Everyone needs munchies to get through the study day, but not all food is library friendly, at least to those around you. “My pet peeve is when people bring full course, loud meals,” said Lesch. It’s generally safe to stick to food offered in Whispers.
Sprawl: More obnoxious than suburban sprawl, study sprawl causes grief to the many looking for a place to sit only to see an empty chair surrounded by spread out notes and books. The library is not your room, so conserve space.
Study rooms: Quiet and set aside, study rooms are vied for frequently. It can be frustrating, then, when only one person is occupying a room. Get some friends together and share a room. But, noise levels can be an issue there too. “Study rooms aren’t soundproof,” said junior Sally Preminger, “and you can hear people talking loudly.”
Computers: When there’s a queue for the comps, be respectful and efficient. Facebook checking, sports and porn are not acceptable when others are waiting, and porn really isn’t for library time anyway.
Making out: “Just don’t make out, it’s distracting,” said senior Sarah Muszynski. Cuddling and other forms of excessive PDA are typically discouraged. “This is a work place,” said sophomore Ian Pearson. “Come to work, not to love.” Mild making out is a don’t, but it seems that many students do condone sex in the library, particularly in the stacks (see the popular Facebook group).
Whispers: For those who require a certain degree of background distraction, Whispers is the preferred study zone. Disagreements arise, however, on the respectful noise level here. “It’s called ‘Whispers,’ not yells,” said Preminger. “Just keep an inside voice.” Some disagree. “You’re allowed to be loud,” said Muszynski, “it’s a café.”
Holmes Lounge: Non-library studiers may also find refuge in Holmes. Space is of the essence here and space-saving techniques are often debated. “People put their backpack at a table and then go get in line for food,” commented junior Jonathan Shelley. “Holmes is an in demand location and it’s unfair to rob a person of space. You either wait for a table or wait for food – make a choice.”
So remember to mind your library manners. The library dwellers are always watching – and listening.