LM_NET: Library Media Networking
I can't resist commenting on "silence" in the library. This is not a new
issue - it has been with us for years and will continue for many more. I
retired recently after nearly 50 years in school libraries - at all levels.
About 30 years ago one of the professional periodicals had an insert that
was suitable for posting in the library. It said something like "NO SILENCE
PERMITTED." The middle school students (Jr. High in those days) puzzled
over that sign for years. They would ask "What does that sign mean?" I
would only reply "Just what it says." The school library is primarily for
the students and I agree with Billie that noise does not bother most
students. When I was librarian in a large high school, we were able to say
that students had requested a "quiet" area in the library. Fortunately the
library was large enough to designate an area for quiet. I made sure
students knew that the quiet area was there because the student council had
requested it. If the noise level in the remaining section of the library
was too loud, it was easy to say that some of the students in the quiet area
were complaining. However, usually the students handled it themselves and
treated each other with respect. That is the key: respect for others. If
it is necessary to quiet students who are out of control, suggest to them
that others are trying to study and find their noise very distracting. I
always found students reacted well to that type of request. They do not
react well to a shushing scolding adult. During the years I played music in
the library, orientation always included the remark that "if we can't hear
the music, maybe we should lower our voices?"
Maxine Driscoll
----- Original Message -----
From: "Billie Esser" <billie66512@YAHOO.COM>
To: <LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU>
Sent: Monday, October 22, 2001 6:49 AM
Subject: library noise - going out on a limb here
> O.k.,
>
> I understand your concern about noise in the library,
> but I take a different view about the noise. To be
> honest, I can't stand the silence. These "SHHHHHHH,
> you MUST be quiet, it is the library" requests
> perpetuate the negative librarian stereotype.
>
> As a recent MLS graduate, much of the new "theory"
> about why teens are "turned off" to the school library
> is because of old stereotypes about what libraries
> should/should not be. One of the issues was about
> noise. My professor pointed out that the noise
> usually bothers the adults and not the students.
> While some people require silence to study, a look
> inside the homes of many students will find them
> studying with the radio, television and the Internet
> all going at the same time.
>
> While I don't condone students hanging from the
> rafters or yelling across the room, unless there is a
> class meeting for lecture or test in the library, I do
> usually have my radio playing in my office or CNN
> turned on the library TV. I use it as a way to
> connect with my students and to remember that the
> library isn't just a place for study.
>
> Do some research...in order to survive, school
> libraries must change and adapt to its users. Because
> of the Internet, many people (i.e. taxpayers) don't
> see a need for school libraries (read the articles
> about school districts wanting to use the bookmobile
> in place of their libraries)...come on people, lighten
> up! We have a new generation of teenagers (anyone
> read, 'The Second Family: How adolescent power is
> challenging the American Family'?)
>
> REMEMBER! Students who value their school library
> today, become the taxpayers who support the libraries
> of tomorrow.
>
> Just my naive, inexperienced thoughts! :)
>
>
> >
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> > Dr. Allan O'Grady Cuseo, Librarian
> > Bishop Kearney High School
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>
> =====
> Billie Esser
> Library Media Specialist
> Jefferson West MS/HS
> 619 Condray
> Meriden, KS 66512
> billie66512@yahoo.com
>
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