[Publib] Cell Phones in the Library

[Suzanne Tronier]

I agree that it is a matter of volume.  I don't say anything to cell
phone users if they can talk quietly (the minority) and don't seem to be
bothering anyone.  On the other hand, I do ask people (even adults) to
speak more quietly if they are talking in the library and appear to be
bothering the people around them.  I am usually met with grateful looks
by the people around them.  I also offer to let talkers or cell phone
users use our meeting room if it is not in use.   When people are
sitting elbow to elbow next to strangers at the computer, I think the
sensitivity to noise level is a little higher though.  I usually explain
to the offender that the people around him/her are trying to read.  They
always look surprised.  Maybe they don't consider reading a screen
"reading" (or are simply startled by the suggestion that the concerns of
other people have anything to do with them).  Anyway, I think a
reasonable approach usually yields a reasonable response.

 

Suzanne Tronier

Manager

East Millcreek Library

Salt Lake County Library System

 

________________________________

From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org
[mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Bob Watson
Sent: Friday, December 02, 2005 11:58 AM
To: publib at webjunction.org
Subject: [Publib] Cell Phones in the Library

 

Some weeks ago when one of our staff members was "busting" a cell-phone
user for talking on his phone in the library, he noted that it wasn't
fair because people were talking in the library all the time.  

 

And you know, he was right.

 

Our public service desks are located where people can overhear the
conversations pretty easily.  Staff members talk to patrons and staff
members talk to each other ... the difference today and what made this a
startling revelation is that the ubiquitous computers make so much
"white noise" that conversations are quickly damped over the space of a
few yards.  The library "seems" pretty much as quiet as ever, but it
isn't really.  

 

So we reversed course.  We now have signs asking users to turn off their
ringers (ringtones can drive anyone a tad nuts) but we do not mind if
people are carrying on quiet conversations.  

 

We still quiet those folks who think they have to be loud to be
understood.

 

We also made sure to create a "quiet study" area for those who really do
need something close to complete silence.

 

Bob Watson

Director

Lake Villa District Library

Lake Villa, IL

 

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