Library patrons grow used to increasing noise

     As libraries evolve into more multi-purpose media centers, quiet is no longer included in its general description.
     The library at GCSU is quiet in certain areas and considerably noisy in others.
     Most students and faculty view the rise in the noise level as a positive change, but some wish there was a little more quiet space.
     Mary Jones, coordinator of access services, graduated with the last all-female class at GCSU in 1967. She has seen the library grow from its original building into what it is today and she has welcomed the change.
     “I used the original library that was built in 1932,” Jones said. “So the library now is very exciting, I love coming to work every day.”
     GCSU’s library has come a long way and is now considered to be the heart of the university.
     When the third extension of the library opened its doors in 2005, students and faculty were introduced to a building that redefined its traditional purpose and function.
     The new library, according to the GCSU library website is “ designed to be the center of academic activity, with a wide variety of spaces for study, reflection, conversation, creativity and refreshments”.
     Jones equates the new setup to the growing trend contingent with the ambiance in popular bookstore chains such as Barnes & Nobles.  These places are enabling people to browse, socialize and drink coffee at the same time, changing the once strict library atmosphere.
     “Our library is similar in many ways to that comfortable setting, and we have had a few complaints about the noise,” Jones said. “Since the second floor is so open the noise from the atrium, which is mostly the coffee machine, filters up towards us. But it seems to fade once you get past the public access computers.”
     Most students have adjusted to the new atmosphere the library provides and are not bothered by the noise.
     “I usually go to the library in between classes and sometimes in the afternoon if I have a test to study for,” said Nicole Brooks, a sophomore, with an undecided major. “I have never been distracted by cell phones or any other kind of noise. I think there are plenty of quiet study rooms to go to if you really want to get away from the commotion.”
     Brooks does admit to hearing some interesting cell phone conversations from people who don’t seem to mind that everyone can hear what they are saying. Brooks said she listens to as much as she wants to hear and when she doesn’t want to hear anymore she shuts the noise out of her mind. 
Not all students have the ability to ignore what they don’t want to hear. Jarring cell phone rings and phone conversations are not the only noises that can be distracting to students.
     “I’ve always been able to tolerate people talking around the computer area,” Tyler Ransom, a sophomore mass communication major said. “But when babies are in there screaming and crying I get really distracted. I don’t think they should allow children under five in the library; they can’t read anyway.”
     As GCSU’s student body continues to grow each year, policies concerning noise might eventually be put to place. But Jones has a difficult time viewing noise in the library negatively. Noise means the library is alive, active and providing students with an atmosphere conducive to learning. 

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Posted by Colonnade Archives on Feb 2 2007. Filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry