I was looking at the BYU homepage today, and I saw a feature with this title: A quiet place to study. Nothing wrong with that, until you look at the picture.

[The picture has since been removed]

Clearly the image shows a couple of students conversing about information on the shown laptop. I’m doubtfull that they are simply just quietly sharing the laptop. They are obviously talking about it, which isn’t quiet at all. You can see in the background the backs of other students who are probably trying very hard to concentrate on their studies, but they are annoyed by the two guys around the laptop who don’t quite realize what quiet means. Even whispers in the library can be heard by others at nearby tables. I know; I’ve heard them.

Of course, I understand the need sometimes to talk briefly to someone, and in that case a soft voice is appropriate. But conversations are not brief. So let me please ask everyone, if you are going to converse with others in the library, take it to a study room, the stairs, or one of the “No Shhh Zones.” By keeping the noise level down in studying locations in the library, you will help your fellow students to study.