Five Library Etiquettes You Should Always Follow: Dos And Don’ts You Should Keep In Mind
Like it or not, you will have to spend a lot of time in the library when you go to college – scouring through the shelves, looking for books, and preparing notes before exams.
But in college or university, visiting the library is not as straightforward as you may have imagined. There are decimals, codes, floors, aisles, shelves, and books. Many books! But if you are a fresh-faced newcomer from the first year, you will have to master the skill of navigating the library and the correct code of conduct. Even if you think you know it all, you might still feel like a nervous amateur in the company of the seniors from the second and third years. So, here are some library etiquettes for you to keep in mind.
Do respect the staff and follow their instructions
Librarians are excellent at what they do. Do not hesitate to seek their assistance or recommendations when looking for books or where you can find them. But make sure you are polite and sensible when interacting with them and obey their instructions while you are at the library.
Do not neglect library deadlines
If you have not finished reading a book or document, request the librarian for an extension because there might be other students who need the same material. But neglecting deadlines will get you fined, and some libraries even ban defaulters from borrowing new books until they have returned all the previous items.
Do pile up books around you
Not only piling up books around you will instantly make you seem smarter, but also heaping as many texts as possible will prevent you from being that vexing reader that disturbs others by frequently running up and down the aisles every ten minutes to obtain more references. No reader likes a distracting gust.
Do not carry crunchy snacks to the library
Most libraries, if not all, typically follow a strict no snacks and drink policy (with an exception of bottled water). But, even if your library allows readers to carry food, be very cautious about not making any noise while eating. Do not violently tear open noisy wrappers, disturbing fellow readers, and avoid crunchy snacks at all costs. Also, do not leave behind any food crumbs.
Do be careful when handling library materials
Be respectful toward every library material and avoid ripping, highlighting, folding pages, and dropping food and water on them. When using artifacts, you have to remember that causing any damage to them cannot be reversed, as opposed to textbooks and bestsellers that can be replaced. Be attentive to the needs of other potential readers and return every item in the same state as you received.
Always handle the library materials carefully and do your part to maintain a healthy reading environment for all.
