Dear Fellow Learning Commoner,

I often see a friend in the Learning Commons and immediately strike up a conversation with them, only to realize that the multitude of people working in close proximity to my ongoing conversation are clearly being distracted because of its tone and duration.

Although it is not formally called such, the Learning Commons is actually a library. Libraries, or so it is rumored, are meant to be a place for quiet study. Obviously, it is acceptable to chat and socialize on the first floor of the building, but beyond that the levels are suppose to get quieter the higher you go up. Seeing as there are a limited number of floors on which to study on, I think we could all try a little harder to show some respect to our neighboring studiers and keep the noise to a minimum. I will be the first one to admit that I need to put a greater effort into showing more courtesy in our extended version of a library.

The Learning Commons is an environment that I am completely unfamiliar with, despite having spent hours inside the old library last year. There was a clear protocol to follow in the old library, because it emulated the atmosphere of a stereotypical library. The books, the lighting, and even the solitary cubbies, projected a studious ambience, one that was recognizable to all students. Most libraries have an environment that demands a certain standard of conduct. Ours, however, does not. We have a beautiful building that does not reflect traditional libraries, but instead promotes a lighthearted learning setting and does not regulate noise. The arrangement of the Learning Commons provides students with comfort and informality, which are both things to be thankful for when cramming for a test. Unfortunately, this informality often gets confused as an invitation to goof-off rather than work. Areas meant for collaboration are, instead, frequently used as destinations for socialization.

As finals week is in full bloom, I think being a little more conscientious of the studying needs of others is in order. The atmosphere on campus is tense due to high levels of stress on every student's mind. The Learning Commons should reflect a productive work environment, one that does not make a student grind their teeth because of the unnecessarily loud chatter going on around them. We have a pretty cool, multi-purpose building, but let's not forget what it was built to replace.

Sincerely,

Fellow Learning Commoner