Letters to the Editor (Editorial Policies)
Posted on March 1, 2007

Both sides of the aisle on library socializing

Craig Finkelstein’s vitriol attack against students who dare raise their voices above a whisper or choose to express their individuality through a ringtone is nothing more than a call for imposing library fascism upon Carrier Library. As an institution that promotes “higher-level research,” and the expanding of student knowledge, Carrier Library is currently a place that encourages the free flow and exchange of ideas between students by encouraging vibrant and spirited conversation. Under Finkelstein’s proposal, this exchange would be ruthlessly crushed under the iron-shod jackboot of silence.

Regardless, there are plenty of quiet places in the library as it currently stands where one can meditate — or sleep — in peace and tranquility. For example, the third floor, with its densely packed stacks and cubicles is perfect for the sort of mind-altering experiences Finkelstein is searching for because there are few places for large groups to congregate. And contrary to what he claims about students meeting in the traditional stacks, this is mostly impossible. The inner sanctum of the stacks is a place inhabited by only book mold and the rumbling elevator monster — otherwise it is silent. Most of the first and second floors are specifically designed to accommodate groups of students with its big tables and open spaces.

The library is a vibrant and exciting place, full of life and activity. The proposed solution would replace this energy with soul-crushing, mind-dulling and bone-softening silence, dread and fear. JMU students, do not allow yourselves to be silenced.

Michael Yarborough, junior history and philosophy major

I must say that I wholeheartedly agree with Craig Finkelstein’s statement in his article regarding the noise level in the library. I used to go to the library because I assumed that it was the one place that would be quiet enough for me to get work done in a considerable amount of silence, at least on the second and third floors. However, I have pretty much stayed away from the library this semester, partly because the study areas have managed to become places for socializing. If you’re meeting for a group project, you should either find a study room, meet in the library lobby or meet somewhere else outside of the library. Just because the second floor holds numerous tables with four chairs each, this is not an invitation for three or four friends to get together to giggle with one another. The chairs are simply there to occupy more students who wish to get their work done in as much silence as possible.

So please, next time you’re thinking about venturing off to the library with a friend or group of people, take into account everyone else who will be studying in that same library. Be considerate of others. Not a bad mantra to live by, in general.

Kristen Letnick, senior psychology major