Cell Phones: Collaborative Tools Connecting People to Information

Cell Phones: Collaborative Tools Connecting People to Information (7/20/2005)

Taking a short walk through the Ball State University campus, it is easy to see that cell phones are popular with students. They use them to call each other, to send text messages, to share photographs, and even to access library services through the phone's small screen.

With an average of 4,300 daily visitors to the University Libraries during the academic year, the challenge is how to manage the resulting level of sound.

Some would like to ban cell phones from the libraries. The University Libraries, however, do not see their use as a nuisance but rather understand the proper use of cell phones in scholarly activities.

"We view cell phones as collaborative tools for learning," said Dr. Arthur W. Hafner, Dean of the University Libraries, "and we don't want to limit their use. There are other ways to remind students about cell phone etiquette."

Recently, signs were posted near Bracken's entrances to encourage our visitors to use their cell phones responsibly and respectfully. Similar reminders will be placed on the lower, second, and third floors. The fourth floor will remain a Quiet Zone.

The libraries' professional and paraprofessionals want the BSU community to experience the University Libraries as a comfortable, productive destination for research, learning, and friends while using the libraries' programs, services, and collections. To accomplish this, the University Libraries promote the use of cell phone activity that aides our students in their scholarly activities and pursuit of learning.

For more information, contact Dr. Arthur W. Hafner, Dean of University Libraries, AHafner@bsu.edu or (765) 285-5277.

This article appeared in The Library Insider 3(7): 1; July 2005.