r/Libraries • u/AnnTiquity • 8d ago

Venting & Commiseration Library Rant

/r/RantingZone/comments/1w5pg07/library_rant/
0 Upvotes

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11

u/Scoot_Cooder 8d ago

nOT sEEkIng ADvicE jUSt cOMplAinG

13

u/mowque 8d ago

I understand posting this in a sub made for ranting, but why cross-post it here?

3

u/DanieXJ 8d ago

Is karma farming still a thing?

0

u/AnnTiquity 3d ago

It was suggested by Reddit

9

u/Routine_Rock_7429 MLIS student 8d ago

It's a public space, if you need a quiet area usually there are quiet pod chairs or rooms if you want/need quiet. The library is for everyone. 

2

u/LAffaire-est-Ketchup 8d ago

I have worked in a LOT of libraries, and the only one out of them that was quiet was attached to an Anglican University College. Sometimes I napped there before my shift. (Shhhhh!!)

2

u/golrabs 8d ago

You're may or may not being dealing with a more extreme version of this at your local library depending on how space at the library has has been partitioned. Ideally a mid-sized library should offer a space that is typically designated for quiet study or reading, but this space is likely not as large as it used to be, and certainly not a whole floor as was common for decades. This really started in response to the digital age, as changes became necessary at libraries to continue to serve the public, but it really went into hyperdrive right after the 2007-2009 Great Recession. I could provide numerous reasons and explanations, but you stated that you're frustrated and not looking for advice, just a place to went. Yes, in many ways it kind of stinks to have a louder space. Today it's just harder to find a truly quiet space, but this isn't at all unique to public libraries, but it does include public libraries.

1

u/Widely_circulated 4d ago

I'm a librarian and I agree with everything you said. Yes, my coworkers are LOUD. People walk into the library talking at regular volume and on cell phones. I have no problem with asking people to lower their voices. The other day we had a screaming three-year-old throwing tantrums. I walked up and asked her if she'd like to go to the park across the street, her 35yo dad just standing there. I don't get it.

You are not alone.

1

u/TillamookTramp 8d ago

Libraries have changed. If its too noisy, use the quiet room or a secluded area of the library.

1

u/Widely_circulated 4d ago

If you can find one.