[Publib] Shhhh! This is a library!

[Robert L. Balliot]

Greetings,

I think that you bring up some good points.  Obviously,
information is not only read, but also heard. Children's
programs, adult programs, and training are seen and heard.
In most cases, I believe that the problem with 'noise' 
is a design issue.  Circ and reference staff need to
communicate with patrons, staff need to communicate with
each other, patrons need to communicate with each other.
It is not a good idea to stop any of those processes.

'Noise' can disrupt study, but if areas are designed
properly, you can accommodate.  On one building that I 
worked on, we put a 3 foot firewall between the new
program room and the library hallway.  We were able
to bring in musical groups that did not disturb anyone
and were very entertaining.

However, I think if you are going to cite a pop culture
stereotype for female librarians, you might want to give
equal time to the stereotype for male librarians.  I
recall when I was very young  watching an episode of the original Superman
TV series with George Reeves where he 
met a male librarian and a plumber.  When my dad came home
from work that day, I asked him what he did for a living.
He told me he was a 'librarian'.  I was devastated.

*************************************************
Robert L. Balliot
1-401-421-5763
Skype: RBalliot
Bristol, Rhode Island
http://oceanstatelibrarian.com/contact.htm
*************************************************
-----Original Message-----
From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org [mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org]
On Behalf Of Neff, Joshua, JCL
Sent: Friday, June 08, 2007 10:19 AM
To: publib at webjunction.org
Subject: [Publib] Shhhh! This is a library!

In the discussion about background music, a number of people have stated
that libraries are intended to be quiet places. My first thought is,
"They are? Really?" I mean, I know the pop culture view of libraries are
these hushed places maintained by bun-haired spinsters who constantly
shush anyone talking at all. 

Obviously, a public library has to accommodate all types, including
those users who like a quiet space to study, dream, and think. But
aren't we also accomodating those users who prefer noise in their
environments. And more to the point, where is it written that libraries
are *supposed* to be quiet?

--Joshua M. Neff
Web Content Developer
Johnson County Library
(913)495-2449
neffj at jocolibrary.org