Silence in the Library?
There has been a lot of discussion in the media in the past few weeks about whether libraries are too loud. It started with an opinion piece by Melbourne writer Leslie Cannold in The Age about unacceptable noise levels in the Reading Room at the State Library of Victoria. Well-known Australian author Helen Garner, who wrote her famous novel Monkey Grip in the Domed Reading Room of the State Library, was quoted as saying that in the past, 'you spoke aloud [there] at your peril'.
Apparently Cannold was voicing the opinions of many frustrated library users, because the comments section turned into a riot of loud, angry voices. The State Librarian responded to say that libraries are changing and we need to encourage people to feel welcome and accommodate the many different ways they wish to use our spaces. And Swinburne researcher Ian McShane has just written an article for Inside Story suggesting that the quiet space at the State Library should be revered every bit as much as its beautiful building.
There's an unanswered question here: what is a library? Anne-Marie Schwirtlich says it's a place that provides 'ready access to a continually expanding world of knowledge'. Leslie Cannold believes it's a 'sacred space ... for research, creation and reflection'. But what do you think? Is silence the only way to research and to create? Communications researchers Kraut, Egido and Galegher recognise that 'science is a fundamentally social process' and the development of new ideas involves 'extensive social interaction'. And Pool, Koolstra and van der Voort proved that background noise like TV and radio has no negative effect on the amount of time it takes high school students to complete homework assignments.
Building knowledge is a process of standing on the shoulders of giants, and maybe sometimes that involves talking aloud to the giants as well.
Out of respect for those who wish to work quietly, please observe the designated silent areas in Swinburne campus libraries. In these areas, be especially considerate about your mobile phone usage. Everywhere else, you are free to use the space in a way that makes you feel comfortable and welcome.
Ian McShane notes that there's also a part of this debate that is really about being public-spirited. So please, be the library user that you wish everyone else was. Hopefully everyone else will do the same.
I don't have a problem with fellow library users communicating verbally in an area of the library that permits speaking. I understand that libraries are a place for the sharing of knowledge, particularly university libraries. What does irk me, however, is loud or "unhushed" communication among two or more people. I think that is necessary. Library users can communicate and share knowledge with each other, without being audibly invasive, and I feel that to do otherwise is disrespectful. On one occasion, I sat unable to avoid hearing the telephone breakup of a guy speaking quite loudly with his soon-to-be ex-partner. That belongs outside. Another occasion involved a pair of chaps chatting and swearing really loudly about the character of their professor or lecturer. Another unnecessary invasion of my study time. So, in conclusion, go forth and speak, but please do so without being an invasion on the folks who are in your immediate range. It's a bit arrogant and inconsiderate.
Posted by Grace Keown on June 09, 2010 at 11:44 AM EST #
I wish I had one of those gadgets that disables mobile phone signals. This way people will be forced to respect others, as most are oblivious to the annoyance of their voice. Most of these people with mobiles and headsets glued to their heads seem to think that the general public want to hear their purile conversations about their social life, whatever language it is spoken in. Silence is golden and if you can't respect that in libraries, cinemas and public transport, then lookout for the gadget that makes it so.
Posted by Carol Christopher on June 09, 2010 at 11:44 AM EST #
I think Swinburne library in Prahran is not that quiet place as it used to be. I could still hear noise a lot of the times when being there. I can't say every time but a lot of the times. For me when I go up stairs some people I can hear them talking. Especially when they are about to wait for a class.
Libraries should be a quiet area not a noisy area! Sometimes I can get sick and tired of it and I go somewhere else. I just leave when it passes at least 7-10 minutes. The younger generation most of them they can be so unrespectful. And I tell myself didn't their mother teach them manners?
Posted by maria sloumatis on June 09, 2010 at 11:44 AM EST #