It’s that time of year again. The amount of work that is piling high on your shoulders is enough to make you go crazy, but rather than running away or dropping out (which we’re all guilty of saying) you make your way to the Main Library.
Here’s where you find out that you’re not the only one.
So, to help you and everyone around you survive at this time, here’s some tips on library etiquette.
Talking
Look, I love to yap, but there’s a time and place. The Art and Archaeology Library in Mansfield Cooper? Not that place! I’ve been told off more times than I can remember for even going above a whisper. The ground floor in the Main library, on the other hand? I actually think it would be weird not to talk.
You essentially have to know your audience, and if the space you’re in is jam-packed with silent and stressed-out students then maybe that rant to your friend about your housemate drama should be held off until you’re outside.
Phone calls. I can count the amount of times I’ve been near people loudly taking a call whilst everyone around them is silently annoyed on one hand; which may not be that much, but it’s still funny how it’s happened more than once. There are spaces available to take a call if you need to, though, like near elevators, Cozy Campus spots, or even in the bathrooms. You just have to remember that you are in a communal place.
Food
It’s just turned 9 on a Thursday night and you’re tired, questioning reality and second-guessing what your essay actually is about, when suddenly a smell hits your nose. You look up from your laptop to see the only other person in your section opening up a container of Pepe’s chicken. You have to laugh or you’ll cry.
Bringing food into most study spaces, even when they say no food is allowed, is usually fine, just as long as you’re respecting the environment you’re in. Meal deals and meal prep from home that you’ve microwaved are grand; I bring in both frequently, particularly when I know I’m pulling an awful 3PM to 12AM session to properly cram. But that evening takeaway would probably taste better in your own home, and not in Blue.
Sharing study space
All library spaces have been packed to their max every day the last few weeks, which means that people who don’t even know each other have to resort to sharing once luxurious four-person occupancy tables. The horror. I don’t think anyone actually enjoys encroaching onto other people’s space, but when it’s busy we just have to grin and bear it , unfortunately. You just have to remember that no one wants to be there at 3PM on a Monday. I know I’d rather be in bed.
In normal non-busy conditions, however, I suggest not sitting on an already occupied four-occupancy table. If there aren’t any tables fully free then of course this is okay though it might be best to shop around other areas of the library. If you are able to get a table to yourself, however, it acts as your own little oasis in which you can fully concentrate on you and your work – and I’m sure the people around you appreciate it too.
Volume and notifications
Headphones are your best friends when it comes to ignoring all the weird humming and buzzing of the space you’re in, and they’re even better when they’re actually connected to your phone. I’m sorry, but I don’t need to hear the new trending TikTok song from your phone – I’d rather do that in my own free time!
Similarly, you should ideally have the vibration for notifications on your phone turned off whilst in the library, particularly when it’s busy and silent.
Really, it’s all about being a bit considerate of others and appreciating we’ve all got a lot on at the moment!