While the Obama controversy stirs in our midst, I am writing today about another grave matter that is reducing the quality of life of a large and silent group of students at the University, especially during finals.
Yes, I mean that group of silent people that may sit next to you (yes you know who you are!) on the first or second floor of the Hesburgh library while you are taking a cell phone call from your mom or boyfriend, while you are talking obnoxiously and loudly about your friend's relationship, while you are watching failblog.org and delightfully guffawing with your neighbors! You are making studying in a respectful, academic environment very difficult, and I ask you politely to stop.
Interestingly enough, this is the only academic library I've ever been in that seems more like a mess-hall or shopping mall (with books of course) than a reading or learning space. I've talked to the powers that be in the library and they defend the "collaborative workspace" that the first and second floors are supposed to be. They also report that "quiet spaces will be taken into account" when the upgrade happens next year.
I say: We need an upgrade in manners and common sense this week! Let us take back the library as a quiet study space and remember that there is an entire campus for chattering. I mean, it's a library right?
Francis Hittinger
grad student
off campus
April 26
