2008 Woodie Awards
Third floor library noise a bother
Issue date: 4/20/07 Section: Rocket Letters
To the editor:
Noise is encroaching on the silence of the third floor of Bailey Library. The first two floors are reserved for discussion. Those not disturbed by sound or doing group work may happily place themselves there. However, for those who require silence, the third floor is reserved for them.
I find the noise on the third floor is increasing. I am not alone. A Facebook group was started about this issue and others now actively avoid the library due to it. Asking people to be silent generally results in amiable compliance. I have heard, though, remarks about the sacrosanct nature of the floor. It is; it should be secure from desecration of this study area.
The silence is disturbed in various ways. 1. Headphone volume. While listeners enjoy their music, they disturb others with a buzzing hum. Please keep them at a very low setting, or use the other floors where the music ensures your peace. If you slip them off, please turn the volume down further. 2. Cell phones. I do not object to them, but please use the vibrate setting. If your call will last more than some seconds, please ask them to wait while you go to the third floor lobby, where conversation is permitted. Please initiate calls in this area. Using the stairwell is a problem; voices readily echo into the quiet. 3. People visiting. Many do so in normal tones which bang loudly against the silence. Even in whispered tones, it is disturbing. If you ask the lab attendant for help, it may be done quietly and quickly. If you wish to visit, however, please step out. 4. Please keep all doors closed. The noise from the main stairwell and lobbies rolls into the quiet. Please end conversations before stepping off the elevator or opening the door.
All might be done in a seemingly low volume, yet the contrast with silence inevitably jars and interrupts concentration. They need to be kept to an absolute minimum. Otherwise, the impression given is that silence is the exception and not the rule, and more people will unknowingly make more. Please trust others advising you that they are being disturbed. Just as we respect diversity in other areas, please do so in this need for silence. I am sure the general politeness of Slippery Rock students, which I have observed and benefited from, will extend to this.
Barbara Chambers
Senior
Philosophy Major
Noise is encroaching on the silence of the third floor of Bailey Library. The first two floors are reserved for discussion. Those not disturbed by sound or doing group work may happily place themselves there. However, for those who require silence, the third floor is reserved for them.
I find the noise on the third floor is increasing. I am not alone. A Facebook group was started about this issue and others now actively avoid the library due to it. Asking people to be silent generally results in amiable compliance. I have heard, though, remarks about the sacrosanct nature of the floor. It is; it should be secure from desecration of this study area.
The silence is disturbed in various ways. 1. Headphone volume. While listeners enjoy their music, they disturb others with a buzzing hum. Please keep them at a very low setting, or use the other floors where the music ensures your peace. If you slip them off, please turn the volume down further. 2. Cell phones. I do not object to them, but please use the vibrate setting. If your call will last more than some seconds, please ask them to wait while you go to the third floor lobby, where conversation is permitted. Please initiate calls in this area. Using the stairwell is a problem; voices readily echo into the quiet. 3. People visiting. Many do so in normal tones which bang loudly against the silence. Even in whispered tones, it is disturbing. If you ask the lab attendant for help, it may be done quietly and quickly. If you wish to visit, however, please step out. 4. Please keep all doors closed. The noise from the main stairwell and lobbies rolls into the quiet. Please end conversations before stepping off the elevator or opening the door.
All might be done in a seemingly low volume, yet the contrast with silence inevitably jars and interrupts concentration. They need to be kept to an absolute minimum. Otherwise, the impression given is that silence is the exception and not the rule, and more people will unknowingly make more. Please trust others advising you that they are being disturbed. Just as we respect diversity in other areas, please do so in this need for silence. I am sure the general politeness of Slippery Rock students, which I have observed and benefited from, will extend to this.
Barbara Chambers
Senior
Philosophy Major
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Lindsey Miele
posted 4/20/07 @ 10:32 AM EST
I completely agree with story and could not have said it better myself. Sometimes when I have that huge test in a few days, I find relief knowing that I can go somewhere that haa complete silence, but not lately. (Continued…)
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