Libraries were once known to be the place where people go to be in a quiet and serene environment. Today, I think many would beg to differ.

The library in the twenty first century is a place with multiple purposes. It has become a place to hang out with friends and talk, since today most libraries are full of big comfy couches with Starbuck’s around the corner. Yet, it is still a place to go and study in silence.

But what is a library really for? Should it be a hang out or should we bring back shushing, quiet libraries?

A recently published study entitled “Should libraries shush?” based on an article from Salon by Laura Miller “Bringing back shushing librarians” brought up many debates and controversy on the actual purpose of a library.

Miller said, “I’ve long believed that one of the most precious resources libraries offer their patrons is simple quiet.” Americans on the other hand “want many things from their libraries.”

According to the study people want librarians to help find information, borrowing books, free access to computers and the internet, quiet study spaces, programs and classes, research and resources such as a free data base, career sources, free events and activities and finally, public meeting spaces.

The study showed that although each patron wanted a different thing from their library, everyone shared a love for quiet space.

It’s not just library visitors stating they want quiet space.

According to a Pew Research Center study generated by Kathryn Zickuhr, “One librarian, echoing many others, described quiet study spaces as essential.” Another highlighted the multiple roles libraries play as spaces in the community, “a place to go where it is reasonably quiet, comfortable — to focus, read, study,” and also as “a place to gather for study groups, group learning and leisure experiences, [and] library-sponsored community events.”

“The library supports student learning by providing services and spaces that accommodate various learning styles,” said Natalka Sawchuk, assistant director of libraries for public services and system for Iona College. “In order to accommodate these learning styles we offer silent and group/conversation friendly spaces, encouraging students to be considerate and respectful of one another regardless of how the space is designated. Signs indicate silent study rooms and flyers are distributed during peak study times so that students understand and respect the type of study allowed/encouraged in the room they choose to work in.”

In a survey of 10 students who use both Arrigoni and Ryan very often, at least twice per week, responds noted that they are very little complaints but more study rooms are definitely needed. The majority of these 10 people also said Arrigoni is mostly used for quiet time where as Ryan is used for group work.

“I think the libraries are great but I prefer Arrigoni rather than Ryan,” junior Raidys Rodriguez said. “Ryan is way too loud sometimes and the people at the desk don’t say anything to them. At Arrigoni it’s super quiet and when someone tries to be loud, the librarian tells him or her to stop or leave. Libraries aren’t really meant to be hang out places to me so I don’t appreciate people talking around me when I’m trying to concentrate.”

Junior Bianca Pulsoni said, “I feel more comfortable in Ryan than Arrigoni. Arrigoni is too quiet for me and I feel that if I even say one word I am going to get kicked out. But I definitely do think there should be a quiet space somewhere in one of the libraries.”

Everyone may have different feelings on which library they find more convenient, but they all share the same concern on keeping a quiet space.