By the reference offices there are some tables. I have observed the following signs:

“Quiet consultation permitted in this area.”

“This area is not for group study. Group study rooms are available in the 2^nd floor reading room.”

         These signs led me to believe that this area would be a quiet place to study where talking is permitted at low volumes. This is not what I have experienced in the last few weeks. This is an area where people feel free to talk on their cell phones and socialize. Quite often when people are discussing work they make no attempt to lower their voice, rather you would think they are communicating with someone 20 feet away. Many times it feels like some sort of social club. I don’t enjoy over restrictive policies, but it seems some gentle reminders that this is a “quiet study” place are in order. There are many advantages to studying in this area as opposed to inside the library; however, all these advantages are lost when the area is treated like a lounge. Please help!

March 2, 2005

         I have noticed a noise escalation recently myself, and I try to address it individually with the patrons in a non-combative way. I will remind everyone who works here to do the same; sometimes they get so busy that the noise just blends in. We will also remember to try to model the appropriate levels for speaking ourselves to set a good example for all library patrons.

Ruth Levor

Associate Director