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Archiver > APG > 2004-10 > 1099155183


From:
Subject: Noise in libraries
Date: Sat, 30 Oct 2004 12:53:03 EDT


Excuse the following rant! Its not just FHL where noise level is getting out
of hand in libraries. I'm ending a month of research in DC and have found the
problems rampant in both the DAR library and the LOC Local History Reading
Room. I am tired of hearing half hour discussions on quilting (this happened at
the LOC) while I am trying to work. At LOC there is one gentleman who works
there and talks loudly all the time, carrying on long conversations with other
librarians.

None of the staff at either library ever tell patrons to take their
conversations outside or to speak more softly. Perhaps at DAR they are concerned about
offending members, but I am a member too and am offended when I can't
concentrate. When I have complained to staff members, nothing is done. If I remind
people they are in a library, they usually hush for a few minutes and then are
back at it in no time. And I don't see where age makes a difference. All ages
are guilty!

On the plus side, it used to be a major problem in the National Archives
microfilm room when it was upstairs. But with the move, things have quieted down
quite a bit. I have to compliment them on the improvement.

Judy Jacobson

> How about if we all turned it down a notch (or three)? And if someone is
> really too loud, have the courage to ask them to be quieter. Maybe it'll
> work if everyone tried it!
>


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