I appreciate the piece, and the sentiment on behalf of the Pew poll-takers,
and I think public libraries need to offer all types of spaces. I rather
doubt the preference breaks into distinct camps - instead, I imagine, there
are days when a typical library user needs a quiet space and other days when
they need a public meeting spot, a commons where they can meet, greet,
collaborate.  So, likely, this a question for library design more than
anything, but most librarians need to work with what they've got - and
should, in my opinion do everything they can to meet all the demands on
space - for all ages.  It can be a difficult balance. 

ET




-----Original Message-----
From: Maine Libraries Discussion List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of Searsmont Town Library
Sent: Friday, February 01, 2013 3:20 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [MELIBS-L] FWIW - Shared without comment

Bring back shushing librarians 
Library users plead for quiet places to read, write and study - but is
anybody listening? 
By Laura Miller



http://www.salon.com/2013/01/31/bring_back_shushing_librarians/