Library incompatible with studying
Dear Editor:
What has become of our library as a place for quiet, studious contemplation? The library is a place for acquiring new knowledge, be it from the tomes that line the shelves or the classroom texts used at the study carrels staggered throughout the floors. But, as I see it, there are two things that prevent this from happening; the library layout and lack of monitoring in those areas.
The Fanshawe library layout is not conducive to a quiet environment. The floors circle the open concept centre which, while being bright and giving the illusion of space, only serves as a venue for the noise from each floor to be carried to the others. The "quiet study" areas are nestled in the corners but seem to draw groups of students; many students catch up on the latest gossip or use their cell phones, and while some do work on school projects, all are at a noise level that is far from muted. Yes, there needs to be areas for group project work, and areas on the main floor work well for that. With the layout that exists, perhaps the corner quiet areas need to be glassed, with a door to help keep the external floor noise out.
What else can be done? Since manners and common consideration for others appears to be a propensity lacking in many students, I still think that the expectation of adherence to quieter behaviour could be addressed. For a student to self-police these areas is ridiculous, because it is ongoing and a waste of time when trying to do one's own work. You may get one group to do their loud work elsewhere but the space will shortly be filled by yet another. All of this takes away from valuable study time, and adds to stress and frustration. Staff or volunteers could monitor the library usage, directing noisier users to appropriate areas and having consequences for those who continue to choose this venue as a social outlet, interfering with others in the area.
We have made a commitment to learning by attending this college. It would be very advantageous to have a place in our library to go to so we can keep up with our workload. It would benefit many to have these hallowed halls accommodating learning again.
Nancy Banick
Editorial opinions or comments expressed in this online edition of Interrobang newspaper reflect the views of the writer and are not those of the Interrobang or the Fanshawe Student Union. The Interrobang is published weekly by the Fanshawe Student Union at 1001 Fanshawe College Blvd., P.O. Box 7005, London, Ontario, N5Y 5R6 and distributed through the Fanshawe College community. Letters to the editor are welcome. All letters are subject to editing and should be emailed. All letters must be accompanied by contact information. Letters can also be submitted online by clicking here.
What has become of our library as a place for quiet, studious contemplation? The library is a place for acquiring new knowledge, be it from the tomes that line the shelves or the classroom texts used at the study carrels staggered throughout the floors. But, as I see it, there are two things that prevent this from happening; the library layout and lack of monitoring in those areas.
The Fanshawe library layout is not conducive to a quiet environment. The floors circle the open concept centre which, while being bright and giving the illusion of space, only serves as a venue for the noise from each floor to be carried to the others. The "quiet study" areas are nestled in the corners but seem to draw groups of students; many students catch up on the latest gossip or use their cell phones, and while some do work on school projects, all are at a noise level that is far from muted. Yes, there needs to be areas for group project work, and areas on the main floor work well for that. With the layout that exists, perhaps the corner quiet areas need to be glassed, with a door to help keep the external floor noise out.
What else can be done? Since manners and common consideration for others appears to be a propensity lacking in many students, I still think that the expectation of adherence to quieter behaviour could be addressed. For a student to self-police these areas is ridiculous, because it is ongoing and a waste of time when trying to do one's own work. You may get one group to do their loud work elsewhere but the space will shortly be filled by yet another. All of this takes away from valuable study time, and adds to stress and frustration. Staff or volunteers could monitor the library usage, directing noisier users to appropriate areas and having consequences for those who continue to choose this venue as a social outlet, interfering with others in the area.
We have made a commitment to learning by attending this college. It would be very advantageous to have a place in our library to go to so we can keep up with our workload. It would benefit many to have these hallowed halls accommodating learning again.
Nancy Banick
Editorial opinions or comments expressed in this online edition of Interrobang newspaper reflect the views of the writer and are not those of the Interrobang or the Fanshawe Student Union. The Interrobang is published weekly by the Fanshawe Student Union at 1001 Fanshawe College Blvd., P.O. Box 7005, London, Ontario, N5Y 5R6 and distributed through the Fanshawe College community. Letters to the editor are welcome. All letters are subject to editing and should be emailed. All letters must be accompanied by contact information. Letters can also be submitted online by clicking here.
