Library DOs & DON'Ts

Zoe Carr
Oct 17, 2017
3 min read

I am not a huge fan of using the one and only library that Slippery Rock has on it's campus, simply because the lights are too florescent and the students are too loud. However, you cannot make it through your four years without going to the library at least once. So I have compiled a list of dos and don'ts to help everyone out and clear up some library etiquette confusion.

DOs:

Dress comfortably
most trips to the library aren't going to be quick. more often than not you will find yourself spending more time there than hoped, so being comfortable is extremely important. if you aren't someone who is comfortable in jeans and a nice top, save that hour trip until a little bit later. go home, throw on some sweat (or leggings, whatever you prefer tbh), and warm socks before heading back.
Pack a snack
again, you never know how long you're going to be a the library, so always go prepared. packing a snack at home is always the smart way to go because you know the smell of Kathy's warm bagel or Jared's sushi is going to make you hungry, but will save you from spending money when you don't need to. pack something small to avoid missing big, important meals, and make sure it's not too messy or smelly.
Be prepared
where overpacking is normally seen as a bad thing, it's not in this situation. take your own items, such as laptop, chargers, and earbuds because when you borrow the ones provided by the school, you run the risk of them not working...and honestly why would you want to use earbuds that were already in someone else's ears.
Know the hours
most schools provide their students with library hours, which is extremely helpful. for instance, my school has a schedule released regularly and others released during finals week and break. hours aren't consistent 24/7, so double checking the schedule before heading out is always the best way to go about it
Turn your phone on silent
going to the library you are already more than likely to run into a distraction or two, and by turning your phone on silent, or even do-not disturb, you have already gotten rid of one possibility. plus, you're at the library to study, not be on your phone. sure it sucks missing some notifications, but if it helps keep your focus than it is worth it

DON'Ts

Go gabbing on the phone - especially loudly
to be honest, Kathy three seats down from you does not need to know what you did this weekend at a party or what the rest of your schedule is for the week. remember that you are not the only person in the surrounding area, and more than likely, multiple people will be able to hear what you are saying.
Take up more space than you need
again, realize that you are not the only person in the library. sure it is nice to spread out on one of the biggest tables available, but in reality you don't need that much space. choosing a smaller table or booth leaves the bigger areas open for students who might be working in a group setting. it's honestly respectful and extremely appreciated when students recognize this!
Scream
everyone has met that person who gets so excited to see their friend that they just have to scream about it...do not be that person. not only are you embarrassing yourself (harsh but true), you're also distracting the other people using the library resources. not only is screaming inappropriate when greeting a friend, but pretty much all the times.
Listen to music loudly
this is not something a lot of students think about, but is one of my own personal pet peeves. music is great when studying, especially at the library when you want to drown out the people around you, but when someone sitting beside you can hear the latest Justin Bieber song you're playing, it's not okay. it's not fair to the people who did not bring their own earphones to have to listen to your private concert. keeping the volume at a happy medium is what you should be searching for.