In the age of wifi and social media, libraries have fallen out of favor. No more do students have to spend hours of their lives searching through dusty stacks of books hoping to find a single source that ties together their entire research paper. Now, everyone can do research from the comfort of their own bed. Unfortunately, as no one regularly spends time in libraries anymore, there are certain pieces of etiquette that need to be reiterated.

1. Don't talk loudly

I know, it seems like it shouldn't need to be said. But based on my experiences in the library, there are some people who are strangely confused by this rule. Have they never watched a single show from before 2000, where people sat in libraries and got shushed by a librarian? Where have these heathens been? If you absolutely must talk, keep it to a subtle whisper. A sustained conversation in your normal speaking voice only annoys other patrons.

2. Ask for help

Librarians, shockingly enough, actually want to help us! Who would have thought it? It's true; if you have a question about anything, why not just mosey on over to the circulation desk and ask? It doesn't hurt you, it doesn't hurt the librarian--no one loses!

3. Don't eat loud food

If you're sitting in the library with a bag full of chips, please leave. First of all, why are you eating around books? Get those greasy fingers away from paper, please. Second, any snack (if it comes in a container that crinkles, think twice about your choices) should not be eaten loud enough to wake the dead. Put the granola down and get back to work.

4. Look for books

Besides having all of those beautiful study corrals, libraries actually have real, physical books! I know, it seems antiquated. Quaint, even. Physical books? What century are we in? Once you can get past the initial fear and confusion of carrying a book around, the possibilities are endless.

5. Don't throw things

The idea seems appalling, yes, but throwing something in a public space is generally frowned upon. Yes, I bet you could make that crumpled up math assignment sit right in the trash can, but ask yourself why you feel the need to throw it? What are you repressing? Who hurt you? Don't throw things in the library, it only creates a hostile study environment. No one can focus on their research if they're worried about getting beaned in the back of the head.

6. Silence your phone

Great, you're one of, like, seven people who still leaves their sound on in public. Next time, just leave it on silent (no, vibrate is absolutely not the same).

7. Don't cause a scene

Look, I'm sorry your file was corrupted and now you have nothing to submit for your ten o'clock class--that sucks. Unfortunately, shouting at your computer screen and crying to your mom on the phone is not appropriate public behavior. Frankly, it's messy and weird.