On the contrary, library enforces cell phone rules

The Ithaca Journal
Guest Column May 16, 2008
by Janet Steiner, Director of Tompkins County Public Library

I would like to commend Guest Columnist Fay Gougakis for her guest column on the public use of cell phones and laptops (“Use of cell phones, laptops must change,” April 28). Gougakis' article was colorful and articulate, and in many ways, I am sure many of us can relate to her frustrations with regard to the growing trend of cell phone and laptop use in public places. Some of us have been held up at the grocery store by someone in line at the checkout who is more concerned with their phone call than with selecting “paper or plastic,” and even more disturbing is the trend of drivers talking and texting their way from destination to destination. I do, however, take exception with Gougakis' assertion that the Tompkins County Public Library is “not doing much” to curb disruptions by cell phone and laptop users.

While the library does allow cell phone use, we have adopted the following rules to minimize disruptions: Patrons must respect the quiet of the library by turning off ringers while inside the building, using two-way (text messaging) whenever possible and keeping all calls brief and quiet. These rules are posted on the library's Web site and on signs prominently displayed throughout the library, including a sign at the front entrance and at every Internet workstation.

According to an article in the July 2006 Library Journal, libraries that have attempted to ban cell phones in an effort to stem the din have quickly found out that it is better to ban loud behavior rather than ban Blackberries, text messaging and Web browsing, all of which is done on cell phones and cause no noise. In fact, libraries are seeking ways to incorporate all kinds of hand-held devices to get information into the hands (literally) of our users.

The library does not, nor have we ever, tolerated excessive noise by anyone regardless of whether or not they are using a cell phone, and our security guards enforce this rule of behavior.

As the needs of society change, so must the role of public libraries. Patrons no longer rely on libraries only as places of silent study but instead use us as a place to engage in lively book discussions, peruse art exhibits and enhance access to cultural experiences through community-centered public programming.

With those needs in mind, the library works diligently to find a balance for those looking for a place for quiet study and personal reflection and those looking for enriching social experiences. Our four study rooms and the Ezra Cornell Reading Room serve as our quietest spaces, while our BorgWarner and Thaler/Howell programming rooms are used as hubs for enriching library and community programs.

In response to Gougakis' concerns, we have explained our cell phone policy to the Tompkins County Legislature and individual legislators at least six times over the past few years. Our library board of trustees reviewed our policy on cell phone usage several times, and Gougakis was given the opportunity to speak to this matter at one of our board meetings. As Gougakis can attest, we have tried to meet the needs of individual patrons who require a less lively atmosphere. We have offered her the use of earphones, provided her with a schedule of our children's programs, so that she could schedule her visit around these typically noisier times and waived our policy on the use of one of our computers so she could use the Internet relatively undisturbed. We have not, however, banned cell phones from the library, nor do we plan to do so.

The Tompkins County Public Library is committed to meeting the varied needs of our patrons, and we are proud to foster an environment that offers experiences as diverse as those who use us!