Library Etiquette
Anew school year has begun and that means having to spend a lot of time in the library. People visit the library most times to find a sacred space where they can read for their exams, test, research for information and sometimes just bury their heads in an interesting book. Because the library is a public space and is open to everyone, it is, therefore, important that we conduct ourselves in an appropriate manner in order to avoid being embarrassed, or causing a nuisance. Rules to live by when next you visit the library include the following:
Speak in a low volume: It is a no-brainer to whisper when in the library. You shouldn’t be chatting at all if you were meant to be working or reading. If you breach this library-going golden rule by talking louder than required, you might get a sharp-shush, and that’s not the type of attention you need.
Remember to plug in your headphones:
It is critical that your headphones are plugged into your laptop or phone, whether they are in your ears listening to music or just sitting on your desk idle. This is because wearing headphones acts as a universal ‘do not disturb’ signal, allowing you to study in solitude. It will also keep you from forgetting that your volume is turned all the way up and accidently clicking on one of those viral Facebook meme videos, which the entire library will hear. This happens more often than you might believe.
Build a book tower beside you: Doing this will not only make you appear smarter by stacking as many books as you can, you will also avoid being that obnoxious person who runs up and down the shelves every five minutes looking for more references for that last-minute homework. No one enjoys being distracted by a draught. However, do not add any book to your book tower that you do not require. You are squandering library resources, and potentially, other people’s time, if you take extra books, just for the purpose of it.
Don’t stare at people: It is creepy to just look at people in general. But you are most likely to see yourself doing this in a library far more than you would like to admit. Perhaps you are daydreaming and your sight falls on someone by accident; or more likely, you have found some eye-candy to divert your attention from revising.
Avoid crunchy meals or snacks: Food and drink are strictly prohibited in most, if not all libraries, except bottled water. If you really must have a power snack, make it a quiet one that you can stow away between your folders or bag. Before entering the library, remember to break open, any noisy package; and avoid anything that crunches.