The Monroe Library has recently earned itself a spot on the Princeton Review’s top 10 college libraries list. If perhaps the person or persons in charge of formulating such a ranking were to visit the Monroe Library during midterms week, Monroe’s spot would have been a little lower, if not nonexistent.

In this building we see basic etiquette forsaken in favor of obnoxious, child-like behavior that shouldn’t be permitted at any establishment. Something about entering the library seems to make students regress to their elementary school years, in which manners were still in the making.

Students seem to think that the library is their bedroom, justifying their decision to leave their empty cans of Red Bull or half-eaten potato chips strewn about the computer desks. Choosing a computer or desk to use becomes a matter of choosing the surface that is least covered by crumbs and/or gelatinous energy drink puddles. You’d be offended if someone left their discarded food and drinks lying around your room. What makes doing this in the library any different?

While not everyone uses the library to partake in things that require deep concentration, students should be mindful of the people who do. This is why unusually loud conversations need to happen outside. And working at the library does not mean that your speaking voice is allowed to exceed the volume of everyone else’s by at least 30 decibels. You may not be a student, but we can still hear you.

Cell phones also play a role in corrupting the sanctity of the library. Please put your phone on silent before entering the building. Your “Man Eater” ring tone going off repeatedly is not conducive to the concentration of others. Also, there is a difference between putting your phone on “silent” and “vibrate.” The small earthquake that occurs when your phone rings is definitely audible.

There’s no doubt that Monroe is a great library. It has a wide variety of academic resources, as well as up-to-date technology for students to use. However, behavior like this tarnishes the library’s image. Because of its patrons, Monroe is now a messy facility that makes it hard to get any work done. There is certainly a place for loud laughter, empty Coke cans and ridiculous ring tones – Smoker’s Alley is mere steps from the library.

Loyola, let’s keep our high ranking on the one Princeton Review list that doesn’t involve drinking by making our library a place that we can truly be proud of.