OUR VIEW: Quiet down there, we’re studying
It’s crunch time. After an entire semester of thinking up excuses to miss class, or actually going and listening to the 30th lecture about topics you’re not sure you really care about anymore, finals are here. Procrastination is no longer the name of the game. Slacking is out and studying is in.
At least, that’s how we’d like to think things went.
In reality, finals week seems to be a time of great stress for some and a cool breeze for others. A lot of that depends on the difficulty of courses taken or how much time and effort has been put into studying. But one thing is for sure, a considerable amount of studying is done by students, and the consequences of how well students study can be the difference between passing and failing a course. With so much on the line, it’s important that we are respectful of one another during finals week. Whether it’s in the residence halls, around campus or in computer labs, we should take upon ourselves the motto that silence is golden. But many students don’t seem to grasp this concept, especially in the library, so it’s time for another round of library etiquette.
During finals week, and really just about any time, the library should be a fairly quiet place. Libraries stress this silence because it encourages better studying habits and a general atmosphere of respect for others. This shouldn’t be too hard to understand. Most students have been going to libraries since they were young and know the rules. But, for whatever reason, there are always a handful of students who think whatever conversation they are having is so important that everyone else needs to hear it too. This exhibit of disrespect should not be tolerated. If you want to talk, step outside for a while.
One of the guiltiest parties for library disturbances are group projects. It’s easy to see how these can quickly get out of hand, with so many people together in one place for any amount of time, but try to keep the noise down. Your project will go just as smoothly, we promise.
Speaking of group projects, one other piece of fine library etiquette is to only a use a room if it has been reserved for your group. It’s really frustrating to the group that’s supposed to be in the room to arrive and find others already there. It’s really not that hard to reserve a room. So plan ahead.
Another common etiquette breech involves computers in the library and other computer labs. Computers can be invaluable study tools for students working on research papers or final projects, and during finals week these labs are extremely busy. It’s an annoyance to walk around looking for a computer to use and see they’re all taken, with many being used by people checking MySpace or looking at blogs or even playing computer games. Those things can be done some other time in some other place. Please leave these computers for those who have important work to do. Your digital friends will forgive you.
Following library etiquette is not difficult. It just takes thinking things through and being courteous. Oh, and while we’re on the topic, don’t participate in the library Howl. It accomplishes nothing. If you want to take out stress, go out and exercise, just try not to freeze in the process.