Please, please, please do something about the noise in the learning commons. It is extremely difficult to work when it feels like a zoo in there.
Let’s start with the bad news…The Learning Commons is not designed to be a quiet study space. As the term ‘Commons’ is intended to imply, it’s a space for people to gather and learn, sometimes in groups, sometimes alone. Plus, of course, the Learning Commons has the inherent noise of two printers, people going in and out of the library and the library instruction room.
Of course, while some learning takes and makes noise, other learning needs silence. For that, we suggest using the two rooms with computers off the Learning Commons, working on a laptop upstairs or in the reading room, or working in the computer carrels in the lower level.
That said, while the Learning Commons is inherently going to be noisier than some parts of the library, if someone is making excessive or disruptive noise, please either speak to them yourself, since often people just don’t notice how how loud they are, or, if that’s too uncomfortable or ineffective, let a staff member know, and we’ll address the situation.
Lab hours
(I actually wanted to submit this to “Library Logged” but couldn’t figure out where to send it.) I recently found the new macs in the Tech Center and love writing in there. Why does the library close the area so early? I’m always halfway through my paper when we need to leave.
We’re so glad you wanted to submit this and that you read Library Logged! We’ve just added a link to the comment form on the blogroll in the right side of the blog, so you can submit your questions right from here. Look for the link that says ‘Collins is Listening Comment Form‘. We’ll read, respond, and post!
The Library does not set the hours for the tech center but we will be sure to pass your recommendation along to Technology Services, who does. And we agree, the machines are terrific!