July is National Cell Phone Courtesy Month
In 2018, almost everyone has some kind of cell phone, smart or not. We love them, we hate them, we can’t live without them. FDL actually gets a good amount of questions about cell phone usage in the library – from simply curious to majorly annoyed. How does the library, as an institution famed for how quiet it’s supposed to be, deal with cell phone use in a way that respects the rules of the past while moving forward into a future where technology is everywhere? How can you be better aware of your fellow patrons while taking important calls and texts or just hanging out and playing a game or video?
- FDL doesn’t require patrons to turn their phones off while in the building, but they also can’t be making noise that disrupts other people. If you know your phone is going to go crazy with calls and texts, put your device on silent or vibrate. Obviously, you won’t know all the time when people will be calling or texting, so use your best judgment.
- FDL has free wi-fi, and it’s perfectly fine to come in to use your mobile device to watch videos or streaming services. In this case, FDL does ask that you use earphones, and you can purchase earbuds for $1.00 at the circulation desk on the first floor.
- There’s no rule against having conversations on your phone in the library, but it is important to pay attention to the people around you and adjust your voice volume accordingly. Speaking softly is also a good policy for the speaker so as not to let slip potentially private or sensitive information.
- If you need to have a lengthy conversation, you totally can! One of the things you can do is check to see if one of our study rooms are open. They aren’t soundproof, but your conversation will definitely be more private when using one. If both study rooms are occupied, you might be able to talk in a quiet corner on either floor of the library. Just be conscientious of your fellow patrons.
- One place you cannot have the volume turned up on your phone or have phone conversations is our Quiet Reading/Local History Room. The library is a big place – but that one room is off limits for noise for patrons who need to concentrate 100% on what they’re doing without distraction.
- Cell phone courtesy (in and out of the library) really boils down to being aware of your surroundings and the other people in your surroundings. Are you doing something that would bother you if it were someone else? Are people giving you the stink-eye? Are they too nice to be giving you the stink-eye? Also, when in doubt, ask if something will bother someone else. Most likely, they’ll just be happy that you thought to do so.
Post by Carey Gibbons, Reference Specialist
#FDL is a weekly update on all things Fondulac District Library and East Peoria.