To Whom it may concern: Due to the library becoming the learning commons the second floor has increased in volume by a great amount. Not only that students who would like to study in silence are subjected to move to other floors who are overpopulated with students speaking loudly as well. Can you please make half of the second floor silent study as well as in force silence on the third floor. Also due to the amount of students needing to use computers at the library can you find a way for students to stop leaving computers idle for long period of time and checking out laptops only to go on social media sites and not get anything accomplished. Thank You
From: an undergraduate student
Mary Ellen Spencer, Head of Research and Instructional Services, replies...
Thank you for taking the time to post your suggestions. You're right that the new Learning Commons is popular with students who want to work collaboratively. We took this fact into account when designing the new space, installing sound insulation in the walls and a sound masking system as well. Both the first and second floors of Cabell Library are designed to support computing and collaborative study. Likewise, the third and fourth floors of the building are intended to promote individual, quiet study. In response to a blog post received just this month, the library is asking security officers to monitor the third and fourth floors more frequently to enforce the floor guidelines for noise.
As you know, Cabell Library is a key location on the Monroe Park Campus for gathering, academic work, and social interaction; and, we regret that the library does not have the infrastructure necessary to provide resources to meet all students' needs. As an academic research library, VCU Libraries does not monitor nor does it restrict access to any Web site that does not violate the Libraries' or University's computer use policies. We acknowledge that students are sometimes required by their professors to use social media Web sites as part of their course work. That said, we also know that students often multitask, using library workstations for academic work as well as recreation. Please know that VCU students, faculty, and staff engaged in academic work have priority over other computer users. If you need assistance locating an open workstation, please ask a library staff member for assistance. Thank you for taking the time to send us your suggestions.