The noise level on all of the floors of the library has gotten blatantly obnoxious and out of control. For example, on the first floor, which should be used for group study, there are often people watching TV shows and movies in the group study rooms and carrying on with their friends, sometimes screaming with laughter. This is not proper library etiquette, however VCU librarians do nothing, even after complaints are filed, and seem to be lazy and apathetic about enforcing the rules. There used to be security guards who monitored the floors and even on the first and second floors, would politely ask people to not use their cell phones in the main part of the library--however they have disappeared and blatant cell phone, even in the quiet zones, use is rampant. Also, the "art" on the first floor is ridiculous. The fact that the rules are not enforced and students use the library to carouse with their friends makes a mockery out of the fine academic institution VCU should be. The Cabell library is the only one we have on the Monroe Park Campus, and many students frequent it so the rules should be enforced the the library treated with respect.
From: an undergraduate student
Jeanne Hammer, Assistant University Librarian for Administration and Policy Development, replies...
You are quite correct that Cabell Library has had more security officers on duty in the recent past. We rely on VCU Police to provide security officers according to an agreed upon schedule, but unfortunately there hasn't been a sufficient pool of trained security officers this fall to provide enough staffing for monitoring the front door and making rounds throughout the building. One of our full time officers accepted a position at the beginning of the semester in another area, and his vacant position has not been filled yet. VCU Police has been actively recruiting to fill the full time position and for additional part time officers, and we are optimistic that we will be staffed more fully in the spring semester. One would think with the current high unemployment that these positions would be easy to fill, but the experience is that it's difficult to recruit and train individuals with sufficient judgment and interpersonal skills and who can pass background checks for what are relatively low paying positions.
Be that as it may, if you notice an inordinate amount of rowdiness and don't feel that the security officer on duty or the public services desk staff are responding appropriately to your concerns, please visit the Libraries' administrative office on the 4th floor for assistance.
Mary Ellen Spencer, Head of Research and Instructional Services, adds...
As you know, the first floor of Cabell Library has areas that by their nature are not quiet: the lobby, Starbucks, and the circulation and reference desks. That said, the Libraries' Use of Library Facilities policy prohibits any behavior that is disruptive to library use. If you encounter this kind of situation in the future, please alert a security guard or a member of the library staff. If you don't receive prompt and excellent service, please contact me or a member of the Libraries' administration. Thank you for taking the time to let us know about your concerns.
