Discussion

Discussion of the Rules

The Library Rules!  

         Libraries are institutions of learning that contain many formal and informal rules that if violated, carry consequences of social and possibly nature.  This is especially true for the 1st floor of Alden.  Compared with the second floor where conversation and group chatter are consistent, the first floor carries quietness as the law of the land.  There are 2 sections of the 1st floor, both requiring a very quiet environment to function properly.  As soon as people depart the second floor and descend down to the first, a noticeable shift in noise level is apparent as they step out onto the first floor. Violate this quiet space with text notifications, music, or loud talking, and you are sure to be met with scorns and perhaps a warning.
         These rules are well established and agreed to by all who utilize the first floor of Alden. Rules in society are meant to protect.  Either to protect physical items (no drinks at computers) or people where the silence rule falls under.  The rule is applied and enforced to protect student's ability to concentrate and learn.  The tutoring section has rules protecting student's ability to learn as well by ensuring a tutor is present for the ability to sit in that section.
          John Agnew (1987) lists three components that contribute to place being a meaningful location.  The first he defines is location where the place is physically located on the globe.  Alden is located in Athens, Ohio, USA.  The second is locale which refers to the setting or purpose of the place.  The locale of Alden is that of an institution of higher learning where concentration and environments catering to learning are crucial. The third and final component of space Agnew lays out is "sense of place" meaning the emotional attachment individuals have to that place.  Most students have mixed emotions toward Alden Library.  It's where we dread spending entire nights studying for exams but also elicits feelings of relief and pride as one finishes a final project an hour before it's due.
          The rules of the library are meant to affirm its place as an academic institution and to foster student learning.  These rules are a product of it's place and it's purpose.
  

 Connection to larger contexts