A student utilizes the library’s new technology to “shut these people up.” (Graphic: Stacey Poapst)

The Carleton MacOdrum Library administration has launched a new “Quiet, Please” system that will  crack down on noise levels in the library.

Patricia Moore, the assistant university librarian, said students that want peace and quiet while studying can e-mail or text message library personnel and an assistant will be sent to calm “loud” people down.

“We wanted to shorten the response cycle,” Moore said.

The assistants will mainly be personnel from the book stack services and, if the situation becomes too serious, even campus safety guards will get involved. 

Moore said the system is an enhancement to the already-existing service that seeks to provide an ideal studying space to students by creating a more effective way to deal with noise complaints. The difference now is students do not necessarily have to file a complaint at the welcome desk — they can simply do so through their cell phones and laptops.

There are drawbacks to the system, though.

She said the response during evening hours will be slower because of limited staff. 

“There has been no particular issue that led to the formation of this system,” Moore said. “It has been an ongoing issue.”

Moore said the noise has increased this year because the number of students on campus has grown.

“So far we have received positive feedback,” Moore said about the new system.

Matthew Casey, an off-campus student who comes to the library to study, said he believes the system was necessary.

“I don’t know many people who want to have to confront others about noise since it can be pretty awkward,” he said.

Casey said  that   for  those   who   live off campus, the quiet environment is essential for successful research and studying.

“Imagine how important it must be for those who live on campus, the library may be one of the few quiet places they can find, and it’s really important to keep it that way,” Casey said.