Disruptive Behavior Increases at Mardigian Library
Veronica Grandison
Issue date: 11/17/09 Section: News
The Mardigian library is an institution on the university of michigan-dearborn campus that was established for students to do their homework, study and check out books. However, numerous accounts of disruptive behavior within the library have caused Mardigian employees to enforce additional policies to meet the needs of students.
The library began receiving an increased number of complaints regarding noise and disruptive behavior in fall of 2008, so they met with Public Safety and the Student Life Proceedings Advisor Amy Karaban in early January to discuss the incidents and think of methods that could be used to address the situation. In February, the library implemented an online form that is available on the library's website for students to use to report problems in the building.
Before the online forms were implemented, students would have to come down to the first floor, or call the circulation desk to report any problems. However, since cell phone usage is not allowed on the third and fourth floor, Head Librarian Kathy Irwin says the online form makes it easier for students to make complaints regardless of where they are in the library.
Students can also email or text their complaints and library supervisors will respond to the complaints. When the supervisors respond to the complaints, they warn those causing trouble and if the behavior continues, then the offenders are escorted out of the library by a Public Safety officer.
"The online form has been very helpful so far. When we address the students who are being disruptive, most of the time they are very genuine and apologize for their behavior," said Irwin.
The library has also started to record the names of students who are disruptive and then those students have an informal meeting with Irwin to address the reason for their behavior.
One of the most frequent complaints the library receives is whispering or making phone calls on the third and fourth floor. Both floors are designed for silent individual study, and cell phones are not permitted.
The library began receiving an increased number of complaints regarding noise and disruptive behavior in fall of 2008, so they met with Public Safety and the Student Life Proceedings Advisor Amy Karaban in early January to discuss the incidents and think of methods that could be used to address the situation. In February, the library implemented an online form that is available on the library's website for students to use to report problems in the building.
Before the online forms were implemented, students would have to come down to the first floor, or call the circulation desk to report any problems. However, since cell phone usage is not allowed on the third and fourth floor, Head Librarian Kathy Irwin says the online form makes it easier for students to make complaints regardless of where they are in the library.
Students can also email or text their complaints and library supervisors will respond to the complaints. When the supervisors respond to the complaints, they warn those causing trouble and if the behavior continues, then the offenders are escorted out of the library by a Public Safety officer.
"The online form has been very helpful so far. When we address the students who are being disruptive, most of the time they are very genuine and apologize for their behavior," said Irwin.
The library has also started to record the names of students who are disruptive and then those students have an informal meeting with Irwin to address the reason for their behavior.
One of the most frequent complaints the library receives is whispering or making phone calls on the third and fourth floor. Both floors are designed for silent individual study, and cell phones are not permitted.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
So Sad..
posted 11/18/09 @ 3:21 PM EST
The way some students act is ridiculous. It's very annoying when people use the library to sit and flirt loudly with members of the opposite sex..get a life. (Continued…)
Marjorie
Marjorie
posted 11/28/09 @ 2:12 PM EST
I strongly agree with the comment posted above. In addition, during the evenings and on weekends, many high school students frequent the library. The library at certain times should require IDs as non-U of M students are often a source of additional disruption. (Continued…)
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