March 1, 2011 Concordia University Library, 1400 De Maisonneuve
So today was espionage day. Over the past few weeks I’ve done a number of reviews of coffee shops in search of the best place to study. None of these places however are deliberately designed to accommodate someone who actually wants to study. They have many features that a student may find attractive, such as internet, caffeine, a place to sit for hours and hours on end without being considered a layabout, but largely they aren’t designed for students unless a student has only a laptop or single book to read, in that case coffee shops have certainly marketed directly to the right people.
Now, you may disagree with me on this, after all, coffee shops must know that students are a large part of their client base, and I’m sure they do. But if a student wants to do some serious studying, research, or creative work, there simply isn’t enough table space. If there is, it generally involves two tables. As it is, 2x2 feet tables can handle a basic amount, but if you’re reference more than 2 books, you’re in trouble.
So how do libraries compare? Specifically, higher education libraries? You would think that they must cater specifically to the student, and so they must have the best service right?
So I started my investigation with the Concordia Library that’s downtown at 1400 De Maisonneuve. Now, technically I could be kicked out of here since I don’t actually have I.D. but this applies to any particular university library that I’m not a part of. Thankfully, most students have certain elements to their look that can make them interchangeable between higher education students.
1) Backpack full of any of the following: Books that you would never read if you didn’t have to, ipod/iphone, laptop, random cheap snacks, notebooks, conglomerate of forgotten receipts, post-its, and/or incomplete homework assignments. (Check!)
2) Glazed eyes from a lack of sleep. (Check!)
3) Hot beverage mug/thermos/cup in hand. (Check!)
5) Dressed either in a fashion that shows you just got out of bed, or that you never intend to work in an office. (Check!)
These may be stereotypes, but the useful deal when it comes to stereotypes is that a lot of people believe them, making them perfect for immersing myself into their midst.
OK I know I’ve gone on several tangents by now, onto the review!
Concordia library has several good elements, but a few poor ones as well.
a) Large tables everywhere to accommodate even the most scattered student who may be studying biology, art history, and physics.
b) Quiet spots (Blue zones) and pseudo quiet spots (Orange zones) for anyones preference; however, there is no “loud” area. No matter where you are you are supposed to at least put your phone on vibrate and whisper.
c) Comfy chairs; nice and cushioned with good back-support offers hours and hours of comfortable support while you lean over your notes/books/laptop/whatever else you’re working on.
d) Atmosphere; it really helps to be surrounded by people who are doing the same thing as you. The fact that you’re in a spot that is designated for academic pursuits means that everyone around you shares the same motivations and drive(Even if it’s a “OMG my test is tomorrow!” motivation). It encourages you to continue working.
e) Knowledge: So obviously, one thing that libraries have is book upon books upon books. They have a treasure trove of knowledge in their shelves and if you’re looking for a specific reference, or looking to research something, libraries are the specialized institutions. Don’t get me wrong, the internet is an even better trove, but for finding reliable, specific information with someone to help you along the way? I still think libraries hold out as the winner.
f) A great place to group study when you have so much space to work with.
a) No food; this is perhaps my greatest peeve, I’m one of those enviable few who constantly eats but never gets fat. On that same note I constantly eat because I’m constantly hungry. I generally can’t go 2 hours without feeling my stomach start to grumble. So when I’m choosing a place to study, it’s incredibly infuriating to be told that I have to go outside if I want to eat, which means I have to pack up all my stuff, stop what I was working on, put everything on hold to go down 3 flights of stairs so that I can go outside and eat the apple that I had in my backpack. I understand that you don’t want to library to get dirty, that the smell of food can be distracting or that you don’t want books to be ruined, but telling a student they can’t eat while they study is just foolish. A point that was reinforced when I saw a lot of people around me snacking in-spite of the signs in front of them saying “No eating”. This is a definite negative.
b) No internet: Since I’m not a student, I cannot access their internet unless I use someone else’s code. It wouldn’t be too difficult to attain one, but as it is, it’s a barrier and I instead tethered my iphone to access the net. I grant that since I haven’t paid tuition fees I shouldn’t necessarily get access to their services....but couldn’t I at least get a temporary guest pass? In addition, Foursquare tips tells me that “The internet never works here, and it’s impossible to find a plug if you need one.” ...so perhaps some areas of this library aren’t as good as others.
c) Apparently... Plugs can be a little tough to come by. Also according to Foursquare “This places needs more outlets and power bars”, I personally didn’t have a huge issues, but I agree that I didn’t see that there were enough to accommodate.
a) A library to students is a bit like a commons in that several students feel like they should enjoy all of the privileges but none of the responsibilities while here. Sometimes you’ll end up being near very courteous and kind students such as the two women who offered me a share of their dairy milk chocolate, but other times you’ll end up near an obnoxious loud mouth who won’t turn down their computer or their voice. Now, thankfully you can just get library staff to fix this, but it’s worth a note that the norms inside a higher education library are slightly different from pubic space norms. It’s rare that you’d encounter a problem, but it happens on occasion.
b) 24/7 service all day and all night. You can come to the library whenever you want....if you’re a student here. Once the late night hours start to role by, they start to ask for your ID if you want to enter the building. Great if you got it, bad if you don’t.
All in all the Concordia library does a good job except for the afore mentioned issues. I think this is a great place, but the fact that you choose to keep me from my food, and that I have to hide it makes me give you only ....
Those who know me may be surprised it’s not lower, knowing how much I like food. But since I was able to eat food here (covertly) then they didn’t lose as much as they could. Had I actually been forced to leave it would have been much lower.
If I were a student here, with the extra perks and bonuses of 24/7 service and internet access, I’d give them a grudging...
Wait...wait....what? No walkman-type devices? Are you serious??? I'm assuming and hoping this is an old rules board that no one has bothered to update. Because you can bet I saw a ton of headphones and earphones. Plus, are they going to ban everyone's iphone/ipod/mp3 player/laptop??? Silly library, since you told me as soon as I walked in that seal drink containers are ok, I assume that when you state "No food or beverages are allowed in the library", that you're only playing hard to get. Oh library, you're such a tease.
