SBA Asks Students to Please Honor Library Quiet Study Policies

As final exams approach, all students must keep in mind the importance of abiding by the Quiet Study Rules in Mendik Library reading rooms. Even if you are the type of student who can study well in noise and commotion, remember that not everyone else feels the same way. Making noise, even a little noise for a short time, around your fellow students who are trying to study is the height of inconsiderate and rude behavior.

The SBA asks that students take note that all open reading rooms and stack areas are Quiet Study Zones. The only exception is the reading area next to the 4th floor Reference Desk. Within Quiet Study Zones:

  • Never engage in conversation. A few words at a whisper should always suffice. If you must engage in conversation, take it to the Library stairwells or outside.
  • Don’t ever use your cell phone, and don’t put it on vibrate – mute it completely or turn it off. Even a humming cell phone can disrupt your neighbor’s study. If you’re waiting for an important call, you can study someplace else until you receive it.
  • Cell phones aren’t the only electronics that make noise. If your laptop has a sound card, mute it. If you’ve got an iPod, make sure to keep the volume at a level that others can’t hear. If you’re chewing gum, don’t “pop” or “crack” it.
  • When you enter or leave a Group Study Room, remember to close the door behind you.
  • If you become aware of a noisy facilities condition – a squeaky door, a thumping photocopier, a rumbling equipment room – report it immediately to the Library staff. (Extension 2332, or you can push the “Library Help” button on any of our interoffice phones.) The Library staff will do what they can to get the problem resolved as quickly as possible.

The Library administration and staff, in concert with the Office of Facilities Management, do what they can to cultivate a quiet environment at finals time. Construction and maintenance work are avoided in the Library, and they make sure that the Group Study Rooms are kept free for student use. They also walk around and “shush,” as good librarians must. But they can’t be everywhere, and can do only so much enforcement. The Librarians count on the cooperation and collegiality of students to keep the peace.

During the finals period the Library gets very crowded, and tensions can sometimes mount. The only way to maintain an appropriate study atmosphere is through student cooperation under these simple rules. We ask that you keep this in mind always, and especially at this time of year.

Thanks! Your SBA

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Supreme Court Preview

The American Constitution Society has a Supreme Court Preview blog featuring posts from leading legal experts commenting on issues and cases that will be argued this term.  Current posts include:

  • Whether a woman, whose health is endangered by her pregnancy, has a constitutional right to a safe abortion.
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    • Categories: Law

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    Celebration of Constitution Day

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    Welcome from the Library Director

    On behalf of the entire staff of the Mendik Library, I want to extend my welcome and congratulations to the entering classes of 2009/10.  You are about to begin a challenging and exciting journey, and the library staff is ready and available to assist you in achieving the maximum benefits from your law school career.

    You are entering NYLS at a special time for us:  By the time you graduate we will have moved into the new building (which includes a new Library) currently under construction.  This means that you will have the benefit of two “new” libraries—our temporary space on the 4th, 7th and 14th floors of 40 Worth St, and our permanent home on West Broadway.  But even though we are not yet in our permanent quarters, you should be assured that you are already getting the benefit of an outstanding library collection, package of services, and library staff.

    Our large collection and extensive list of services are described in great deal on our web pages and numerous handouts.  What you might not realize from these publications is the outstanding quality of each and every person on the staff of the Mendik Library, and why that is important to you.  Our staff of 24 includes twelve professionals with master’s degrees, eight of whom also have J.D. degrees from law schools both in the region and around the country.  They all have many years of experience working in law libraries and most have also been at New York Law School for a number of years.  They can all help you with your library and research needs, of course, but their value to you goes far beyond that.  Do not hesitate to ask anyone your questions about the law school, particular courses, or any of the extracurricular activities available.  Someone will help you, or be able to direct you to the best person to give you the help you need.
     

    For most law students, the law library quickly becomes one of the constant features of their lives.  You will soon find your favorite place to study, and will begin to recognize staff members and learn names.  And we look forward to meeting you.
     

    We all realize that law school is a new experience for each of you, and we are committed to making that experience as positive as we can.

    Sincerely,

    Prof. Joyce Saltalamachia
    Library Director

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