Belk library not as quiet as many students would like

Lauren Doxsey / Features Editor

Many Elon students often find it hard to concentrate on their workload in the privacy of their dorm rooms, so they venture to Belk Library in search of a quieter location.

However, students still find it hard to focus on homework while in the library, no matter what floor they are on.

"I like to study in my room because it's too much of a hassle to find a quiet spot in the library," sophomore Margo Smith said.

Belk Library has policies regarding noise level on each of the separate floors, yet they are usually not as closely followed as many students would hope them to be.

"I find the library noisy and very distracting, even on the second and the third floors," Smith said.

The majority of students are aware of the differences between the three floors.  The first floor is referred to as the "limited talking" area, where talking in normal conversational tones is permitted for group work.

This also allows for the staff to conduct library business without the worry of running into problems, such as people getting too loud.

The second floor of Belk allows small group work with the appropriate level of talking to be permitted.  There are also designated quiet study and reading areas on this floor.

The third floor of the library is reserved for silent study only.

This is where most students go when they do not want to be bothered with anything other than their studies.  No talking at all is permitted on this floor.

"Most of my time I study in the library," sophomore Laurie Montanus said.  "I usually go to the third floor because it is quieter than the other floors."

The use of cell phones while in the library has also proven to be an issue.  Belk's policy of cell phone usage asks that students limit their phone conversations to before they enter.

If it is necessary to answer a call while in the library, it is asked that students keep their exchanges to a minimum in the lobby on the first floor.

The staff of Belk hopes that each student chooses an area that best fits the activities they wish to do while inside.  The noise policy was specifically designed to promote and enhance the learning environment of the library.

Contact Lauren Doxsey at pendulum@elon.edu or 278-7247.

Anna Tolner / Assistant Photo Editor

Students work on their laptops on the second floor of Belk library.

Belk Library Policy

First Floor: "Limited talking" area; permitted for group work.

Second Floor: Smaller group work allowed with appropriate level of talking.

Third Floor: Silent study only; no talking at all.