To reply to Ann, yes I agree, ideally libraries should be places where social interaction should be possible, but what this then requires is a quiet zone or study carrel(s). Sadly our library's public space is fairly miniscule (our stacks are much larger!) so we don't have the luxury of carrels. Another example of a quiet (but successful) library is at the RSM where they do have study carrels, but all the other areas of the library are "pin drop" quiet anyway. In terms of say, a University library, is the ultimate goal to transform it into a multimedia equipped common room? I'm not sure about this. Maybe. I do absolutely agree however that the purpose of being a librarian is not to police the area for noise. I avoid doing this at all costs, having once "told off" a member for bringing a cup of coffee into the library (I regretted this later, not the coffee, just the telling off). So maybe a twin social area and quiet zone in one library would work. Space permitting.
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