2008 Woodie Awards
The library conundrum
Joyner Library's problems
Alex LaRocca, Opinion Writer
Issue date: 4/10/08 Section: Opinion
During my time here at ECU, I have seen the library in many different lights. Originally, as a freshman, I saw the library as a big building that I probably would never study in. This was especially true since I lived 5-10 minutes away in a dorm. The year after, though, I moved off campus and began to see the library in a different light. If I stayed on campus and studied in the library, then I could get all of my academic work done in one place and, when I returned home, I could do whatever I pleased. Today, I mainly see it as a slave shop where students go to be tortured by the work they should have done a month earlier. Surrounding all of these opinions, however, lay the subtle facts of Joyner.
My first Joyner fact refers to the other residents of the library. In my many journeys there, I have noticed that not just students are on the scene. I realized this a year or so ago when I walked into the library and saw one particular individual was always there, but never with any books or such. One day I made sure to actually look at his monitor and was puzzled to see "World of Warcraft." I have since seen him numerous times, and he is still leveling up. This doesn't take into consideration the players of "Halo" or "RuneScape." Obvious questions arise, such as how can the computers in the library handle "WoW," and also why are these people in the library playing "WoW" in the first place?
My second fact of Joyner includes the individuals who install and play these games. I guess overall I don't mind some of these people - mainly that guy who plays "WoW" all the time - but isn't this disruptive at all? I notice that a lot of the computers on the first floor are broken a lot or are just really slow. If only students are using them, then obviously only Microsoft Word, Mozilla, IE, and some other school programs are being used. If you go beyond the realm of simplistic programs, then maybe you can begin to see why some computers are broken or slow as hell.
My first Joyner fact refers to the other residents of the library. In my many journeys there, I have noticed that not just students are on the scene. I realized this a year or so ago when I walked into the library and saw one particular individual was always there, but never with any books or such. One day I made sure to actually look at his monitor and was puzzled to see "World of Warcraft." I have since seen him numerous times, and he is still leveling up. This doesn't take into consideration the players of "Halo" or "RuneScape." Obvious questions arise, such as how can the computers in the library handle "WoW," and also why are these people in the library playing "WoW" in the first place?
My second fact of Joyner includes the individuals who install and play these games. I guess overall I don't mind some of these people - mainly that guy who plays "WoW" all the time - but isn't this disruptive at all? I notice that a lot of the computers on the first floor are broken a lot or are just really slow. If only students are using them, then obviously only Microsoft Word, Mozilla, IE, and some other school programs are being used. If you go beyond the realm of simplistic programs, then maybe you can begin to see why some computers are broken or slow as hell.
Viewing Comments 1 - 5 of 11
Roy
posted 4/10/08 @ 12:27 PM EST
I noticed that you included "white trash" but you carefully neglected to include "black trash." How do they fit into your equation? Or, are they what you referred to as "bored non-students"? That would be a nice euphemism. (Continued…)
agreed
posted 4/10/08 @ 2:25 PM EST
110% in agreement with this one!!
Laughing
posted 4/11/08 @ 1:26 AM EST
This is so funny. I notice these people too. There is one guy that I call GAMER because he is ALWAYS playing games. I do not like the idea of Joyner allowing the "community" to come in and play games and be loud. (Continued…)
Sinjun
posted 4/11/08 @ 9:59 AM EST
so how is using the term "White Trash" not considered racist? I'm just curious on this little detail since I assumed that "racist" literature would be frowned upon if published. (Continued…)
G
posted 4/15/08 @ 9:37 AM EST
The reason the library isn't open 24 hours is economics. The library doesn't just run itself...it has to be staffed. It's easy to just say "it should be open all the time. (Continued…)
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