One Noisy Library

On weekdays that are devoted solely to studying, freshman Andrew Parker typically tries to use the GCSU Library and Information Technology Center as a haven where he can go to escape distractions and concentrate on his schoolwork.
The library, one of the largest library complexes in Georgia, opens on weekdays at 7:30 a.m. and does not close until 11 p.m. Students can be found inside from open until close, taking advantage of GCSU’s extensive resources and services. The GCSU Library and Information Technology Center houses over 190,000 books and holds subscriptions to more than 23,500 periodicals.
Lately, Parker and other GCSU students who seek to use the library facilities for research, studying and paper-writing, have felt inhibited by the commotion and the social activity that occurs on the 2nd floor around the computer workstations.
“I’m in the library almost every single day,“ Parker said. “At first, I thought the library was going to be this perfect place for me relax and concentrate on my work, but I’m constantly being interrupted by people who think of the facility as an appropriate place for socializing, and parents who think it’s a good idea to bring their screaming infant children. It’s irritating.”
Shaundra Walker, instruction and reference librarian, said there are no rules about noise because of subjectivity.
“What is disruptive or loud is going to vary from person to person. I think we generally monitor the library environment,” Walker said. “And should the situation get out of control, then we are at ease and we feel comfortable going to the offender, whether it’s a student or a community patron or whatever, and just advising them that the noise has to come down.”
There have also been reports of non-GCSU students and faculty using the computer workstations for non-school or work-related purposes.
Melissa Couch, a freshman environmental science major, also frequents the library.
“I was in the library a few weeks ago studying for a huge test, and I saw this old man looking at porn sites,” she said. “The computer he was using was very visible to everyone around and it made me feel extremely uncomfortable.”
University Librarian Dr. Rachel Schipper says that GCSU is a state institution that does not bar anyone from accessing information.
“We are part of a wonderful state collaborative that involves K-12, academic and public libraries,“ Schipper said. “Our institutions do not filter information since it is difficult for research of some topics to be conducted when filters are in place.”
The GCSU Library’s online homepage features an index of links that provide information about the policies and rules that are currently in place to maintain order in the library, especially during peak social hours. These regulations can be found under Access Services and Policies links.
The entrance to the library leads to an atrium area containing a lounge and Internet café, which, because of its seclusion from the main study areas, is the perfect location for catching up, making weekend plans, and filling one another in on game highlights.

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