December 2010 Archives

There should be better enforcement of the rules of each floor, especially when it comes to talking and using electric [sic] devices.

From: an undergraduate student

Mary Ellen Spencer, Head of Research and Instructional Services, replies...

If you follow the Suggestion Blog, you'll see that you're not alone in wanting stricter enforcement of noise policies in Cabell Library. As a result of these comments, the library's administration is working with our security personnel to increase patrols and to enforce the various floor rules. The next time you encounter inappropriate behavior, please alert either a library staff member or a security guard to assist you. Thanks very much for taking the time to send us this comment.

I can't deal with lots of noise when I'm trying to work/study so I usually prefer the fourth and third floor of Cabell library in that order. Unfortunately the fourth and third floor of Cabell have very little outlets. This is frustrating when I walk up to the fourth floor, can't find an open outlet, and walk down the the third floor and cannot find an open outlet either. I think just like the newly renovated second floor that has acquired many outlets the same should be done with the third and fourth floor. I'm not sure how that would work, but I think it would definitely be appreciated by many students; I often see other students, especially during the end of the semester, walking around these floors struggling to find an electrical outlet.

From: an undergraduate student

Mary Ellen Spencer, Head of Research and Instructional Services, replies...

Your suggestion that the library increase the number of electrical outlets on the third and fourth floors of Cabell Library is a good one. We are aware of the problem you describe and are sympathetic to students looking for a quiet place to use their laptop computers. Please know that I've passed along your idea to the library's administration who understand the need for additional outlets. Thank you for taking the time to comment to the Suggestion Blog.

I love the new 2nd floor. It is a very important study place for me as a commuter student. But really, the noise level gets completely out of control sometimes. If you want to do nothing but socialize, PLEASE go to the Commons! Most of us are here to study. Those who are talking and studying are usually not a problem. But the uncontrolled giggling, loud (and endless) flirting and rousing talk about last night's game are best done elsewhere. Please, can't we have *some* limit on the decibel level? And yes, I would spend all my time on the 3rd or 4th floors, but the power outlets are scarce!

The first and second floors of the library are still parts of the library. I understand that people may need to work together, but shouldn't they still do it with their "library voices"? It's a little ridiculous that you have to go all the way to the third floor (which doesn't have many tables)before you can hear hushed voices. Maybe policing these first two floors a little more to make sure most talking is education related, and not yelling.

From: undergraduate students

Mary Ellen Spencer, Head, Research and Instructional Services, replies...

First, thank you for your comments about the new Learning Commons. VCU Libraries designed this space for collaborative student use, and it's certainly become popular this fall semester! That said, all floors of Cabell Library are subject to the Use of Library Facilities policy. This policy states that "any behavior that is disruptive to library use," including "excessively loud noise," is prohibited. Please do alert a library staff member or a security guard the next time you encounter this behavior. Also know that I have forwarded both comments to the Libraries' administration so that they can alert security guards to the problem.

With the high traffic in Cabell Library -- especially on the first and second floors -- some noise is inevitable. However, the library is intended to support the research needs and academic pursuits of VCU students. If you have additional questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me directly. Thank you for sending your comments to the Suggestion Blog.