Library to enforce ‘no cell phone’ rule

By Susan Mangini
Assistant to the Dean

The Madden Library is committed to providing an atmosphere conducive to study and research. Noise from cell phones, pagers and similar electronic devices, as well as loud conversations, is disruptive to a study environment.

Beginning this fall, volunteer greeters, library staff and Library Patrol student officers will ask you as you enter the library to turn off your cell phones or to set them at silent ring or non-audible signal. Those wishing to speak on a cell phone should do so before they enter or go to the library’s enclosed main entrance/exit between the two sets of doors and converse quietly.

This campaign came about due to increased cell phone use. Cell phones and other electronic devices continue to go off or to be used in designated Quiet Study Areas, hallways and public access points in the library. This is not only disruptive to those studying, but also to library staff who are trying to assist patrons at public service points or areas of instruction.

The library staff would also like to remind campus employees who use cell phones in order to stay in contact with their offices to please turn them off as they enter the library. If a call is necessary before you complete your business in the library, the staff of the Administrative Office will be happy to find a phone for you to use.

The library also has revised its “No food/No drink policy.” Enforcement of the library’s food and beverage policy provides users with a clean environment. Food of any kind is prohibited. Food and spilled beverages attract insects and can cause damage to library materials.

Patrons may bring water into the library if it is in a clear bottle. Water bottles must have leak-proof lids that close securely, either twist on or pop-top sports type. The lid must be kept securely closed when not in use. No beverages other than water are allowed in water bottles. A few areas, such as Special Collections and the Arne Nixon Center for the Study of Children’s Literature, must still prohibit water due to the sensitive nature of the documents housed in those collections.