Unruly students in the library will now face greater disciplinary consequences as a result of a recently revised library policy. Librarians will notify Cluster Deans in serious cases of student defiance of library policies. This change is one of several steps in a plan to re-establish the library’s role on campus as an academic center. Signs posted on the library doors read, “We ask that you ONLY come to the library to study, to obtain library resources, or to work with Instructional Librarians.” In case of conflicts, the reinforcements of library rules will be supported by a Cluster Dean’s immediate presence if deemed necessary. This is part of an effort to maintain respectful relationships between students and the library staff, as noted during Wednesday’s All-School Meeting by Dean of Studies John Rogers and Dean of Students Marlys Edwards. Several incidents last year prompted the library to report students to their Cluster Dean the following day. Associate Library Director Jeffrey Marzluft reported that offenses relating to the defiance of library staff qualify as Blue Book violations. Julie Xie ’10 said, “I think it’s kind of intense that they’re notifying Cluster Deans…I think the library is taking [rule enforcement] to the extreme.” Kelly Fox ’08 said, “Conflicts between students and librarians are bound to happen. Kids want to be loud and librarians want them to be quiet. Our library isn’t only a place to study – it’s a place to see [our] friends.” The administration and library hope to shift this social view of the library toward that of a solely academic building. “The idea of the library is an academic sanctuary: a place to escape from the rush and immerse yourself in a book,” Rogers said. This week, librarians handed out slips outlining the three acceptable reasons for being in the library: to study, to utilize library resources or to work with the Instructional Librarians. Librarians discouraged students from spending time in the library for social purposes and asked for a quiet environment to be respected. Stephanie Schuyler ’08 said, “I understand the need for quiet space in the library, but given the fact that PA is such an intellectual school and without a student center, I don’t think the entire [library] should be quiet or so strictly monitored.” Addressing the recent enforcements of library policies, Marzluft said, “We have always had rules and policies here. Sometimes they have been more selectively enforced…We are trying to be more consistent in our enforcement…I think that it has been successful. I think the people who want a quiet place to study know that it is different than it was last year during Spring Term.” Librarians placed particular emphasis on usage of the library during Conference period. Library staff posted signs on the doors listing “Top 10 Things to do During Conference (Instead of Hanging out at the OWHL).” These suggestions include checking mail in George Washington Hall, playing Frisbee on the Great Lawn, visiting with friends on the library patio and visiting teachers. Marzluft said, “Conference period can get a little crazy. If we have 50 to 70 to 100 kids just standing around talking, that [noise] bleeds over to the other rooms. This affects the people who are here to study, because the library is an open place where sound travels.” However, several students are not satisfied with the Conference period alternatives. Alex Cope ’09 said, “None of [the options] really seem that appealing. [The list] seems a little off-putting to the new students; it seems a little obnoxious to the old students. [The library] is enforcing [the rules] now, but as the term goes on I think [the staff] will become a little more lenient. The school doesn’t have much of a social scene except the library.” Instructional Librarian Sharon Pei reported frustration with the ongoing struggle for quiet in the silent-study Garver Room, noting the frequent need to hush students. “The Garver room is for individual silent study,” Pei said. “It is sad that [the librarians] have to make announcements when there is a sign on every table asking for individual silent study. We want students to be aware that other rooms are okay for group study or discussion, as long as those who are looking for a quiet space can find it.” However, some students complained that proctors are reprimanding students for making noise in rooms that are not designated for silent study. Iris Chang ’09 said, “The library used to be a place where you could hang out and get your work done. But now, the librarians have turned it into a silent study prison. Even in the comfy-chair [Freeman] room, proctors come and stare at you so you have to stay quiet.” Other students appreciated the quieter environment. Daniel Santamaria ’11 said, “[The quiet] is actually pretty nice, because the library is a place of study.” The distinction from the library as a studious rather than social environment prompted remarks for the need of a student center on campus. Julie Xie ’10 said, “GW is not adequate enough [for socializing] because the mailroom is pretty small. I never go to Ryley during conference. I think a student center would help – I’d go there instead of the library during Conference.” If students begin regarding the library as a serious place of study, the librarians hope that they will be able to better serve the student body. Marzluft said, “We don’t want our jobs only to be the enforcement of rules. We are all librarians because we love working with students and we love helping people – that is what we want to focus on.” Some administrators are looking at the possibility of hiring a consultatnt to advise on the use of the library’s space for multiple purposes, according to Rogers.
