Trash & Noise

The mission of the Mardigian Library is to provide access to authoritative sources of information and knowledge. We are also committed to providing an environment and resources that support student learning. The vast majority of those who use the library and its resources respect the role of the library and understand that the library building is a shared space devoted to the pursuit of knowledge.

However, I have recently received multiple complaints about excessive noise in the library building, trash left behind, and reports of rude conduct. Cleaning staff are noticing numerous food/drink spills, which require extra cleaning and increase labor costs.
It is simply rude and thoughtless to leave trash around for others to pick up. Spilling food and drink causes extra work for maintenance crews; extra cleaning and trash pick up increases maintenance costs. I hope that all who read this will make it a point to pick up after themselves and to remind others to do the same.

We opened Club Cappuccino several years ago to meet a clear student desire to have access to food and beverages during long days and evenings of study and research. Without better “self-policing,” we may be forced to re-think whether we should continue to provide space for Club Cappuccino and whether we should continue our long-standing policy of allowing food and beverages in the library.

We have recently experienced a distressingly high level of loud and disruptive behavior by people who do not respect your rights or the role of the library. We employ a security guard in the evenings specifically to address behavior problems. Even with this presence, behavioral problems do occur.

One of our expectations is that University of Michigan-Dearborn students are mature individuals who are serious about learning, who understand what behavior is acceptable in public places, and who take responsibility for their own behavior. I am confident that these complaints result from the behavior of a small number of irresponsible people who simply do not respect the rights of others.

We need your help. Library staff members alone can do little to control these unwelcome behaviors, but together, we can address these problems. When inappropriate behavior occurs, inform the Circulation Desk staff so we can alert the library security guard and/or Public Safety officers to the problem.


Tim Richards
Director, Mardigian Library