When I was in graduate school, one of my professors used the "How Do You Manage" series of articles in Library Journal as a teaching tool. The author presents a scenario that may occur in a library, and two librarians offer their solutions to the problem. The case study presented in last September's issue of Library Journal was titled "Cell Hell." (You can find this article and the responses in the Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts under Academic Journal Resources in the EBSCO database. See below for the article citations.) In the vignette, a patron answers two calls while being helped at the desk. Later, the librarian receives a call from someone who is actually in the library. My favorite line from this story is, "Can you believe he called information first to get the library number rather than walk the 100 feet over here."* While the second scenario is over the top, I have encountered the first on more than one occasion.

Websites that cover cell phone etiquette, such as InfoWorld and the Microsoft Small Business Center, note that you should not prioritize your cell phone call over the people in your company. They advise you to be careful about your ring tone choice and volume. Imagine sitting in a library and hearing someone's favorite song/ring tone over and over again. This has happened at NPL, much to the dismay of the people at the business computers. You should also be aware of the volume your voice and avoid using your phone at funerals, weddings, churches, theaters, museums, libraries, and anywhere you would not want to hear a screaming child.

Is chatting on your phone in the library really a big deal? Although the library isn't the silent place it once was, many people still come to the library to study, concentrate, and escape external distractions. Ringing cell phones and lengthy conversations are bothersome, especially when numerous people use their phones at the same time. To solve this problem, some libraries ban cell phones, and the Huntington Beach Public Library fines its patrons $100 for using cell phones inside the building. While the Nashua Public Library does not prohibit cell phone use, we do have signs posted by the non-fiction stacks that read, "Quiet Study Area: As a courtesy to others, please turn off your cell phone & other electronic devices." We realize that some people need to keep their phones on for business or family reasons, but we ask that you respect both fellow library users and staff by switching your phones to vibrate and conducting your conversations in the lobby. This will help create a comfortable atmosphere for all.

*Rogers, Michael. "Cell Hell." Library Journal 131, no. 14 (September 1, 2006): 48. Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts, EBSCOhost (accessed April 27, 2007).

See also:
Cowart, Eve M."Take It Outside." Library Journal 131, no. 14 (September 1, 2006): 50. Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts, EBSCOhost (accessed April 27, 2007).

Duncan, Melanie C. "Courtesy is Key." Library Journal 131, no. 14 (September 1, 2006): 50. Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts, EBSCOhost (accessed April 27, 2007).