I was reading Michael's post on
cell phones in the library. While I agree that (as related in the
linked article) banning text messaging is a bit odd, I have to say that cell phone use is a MAJOR annoyance in public libraries. I work in one all day, remember? I have businessmen, Junior Leaguers and teenagers come up to the reference desk, start asking me a question, then while I'm trying to ellicit more info, their phone rings. They tell
ME to 'hold on' while they discuss their latest hairdo. Uh-uh. I've got people waiting, a reference phone to answer, and computers to fix. Besides that, I'm a *person*, actually in front of them, not a machine. If they don't immediately say "I'm at the library, may I call you back?" or "I'm busy, I'll call you right back" or "I just need to run outside, hold on" (and I do give them time to say any of these things, to be fair), I firmly tell them "We prefer that you use your phone where it won't disturb others--I can offer you a study room, or you can go outside".
It's getting worse and worse. We had a woman just the other day who was literally
screaming into her cell phone in the teen area, we think she was yelling at her kid (over the phone!). Our Teen Area Assistant walked over to her and asked her to tone it down and take it elsewhere. The woman barely acknowledged our staff person, and then bawled into her phone (I'm not making this up!) "See what you did? The librarian just told me I'm being too loud, cuz I have to yell at you!" while not moving an inch! Gah!! Our staff person had to tell her
again to move on. There were three tables of students who were studying in the area, and they'd all felt the need to pack up and move away because this woman was so loud.
I'm not saying libraries, esp. public libraries, are quiet places. They're NOT. However, they ARE indoor spaces, and my workplace, and I won't put up with this nonsense. I mean, I have a cell phone. I love its convenience. However, answering your phone at the theater, the movies, or while conversing with someone right in front of you is just RUDE. Unless you're a doctor on call or have another emergency, you're just NOT that important! And if you really
must answer it (assuming you've had the sense to turn it to vibrate!!), for heaven's sake move away from where people are trying to concentrate. A little decency goes a long way.
