The library has long been a sanctuary for book lovers and diligent students. Macon State College’s $5 million remodeling project to include an extensive Academic Resource Center (ARC) has transformed the library to something much more appealing to a wider audience. However, with the increasing use of technology, the days of silent library visits may be over.
     Dozens of computers loaded with high-end software and access to copiers, scanners and printers, entice students to use the facilities for more than just a quiet place to catch up on reading. As a result, noise has become an issue.
Many times, the atmosphere of study is disrupted by students who come into the ARC in the middle of a phone call or receive one while there. Some students fail to use headphones, which are provided at no cost, while listening to an audio file. In the rudest cases, they even strike up a loud conversation or engage in a heated debate. “I use the library and its resources almost every day and sometimes it can be very difficult to concentrate on my work,� said Paul Meloun, CIT senior.
     Students at the Starbucks, in the lobby, also add to the noise levels. Loud talking, instrument playing and personal electronic devices can disturb the peace as much as anything else. “Usually it’s quiet, but there are some instances where it’s way too loud,� said Kara Kilgore, CIT senior.
“If a student or group becomes too noisy, we remind them to keep it down. Most of the time we just have to look at them, and they will quiet down,� says part-time reference librarian Mary Morris. She admits that even the staff sometimes forgets and will get a little loud themselves. In those cases, students will say something to them and the staff will apologetically comply.
     “If you’re looking for a really quiet experience, it is best to take advantage of the study rooms and the area upstairs,� Morris advises. Those are the areas most patrolled for noise violations. “The library traditionally has been a very quiet place. In the 21st century, we have to provide more allowances for talking and collaborating. We just try to ensure that it stays reasonable and goes on in the right areas,� adds library director Pat Borck.

The Wellness Center hosted a health fair in the Student Life Center on Jan. 23.
Healthcare professionals were present offering information on various subjects: diabetes screening, chiropractics, breast cancer and pregnancy. Continue reading »

Club Fair was held in the lobby of the Student Life Center at Macon State College on Tuesday, Jan. 22. Clubs represented at the event included the Student Government Association, MSC-TV, the Matrix, Mac Users Group, Natural Science Network, Gaming Club and Student Support Services. Continue reading »

On Friday, Jan. 18, eleven schools from around Middle Georgia were present at a career fair to recruit recent Early Childhood Education graduates into the teaching workforce. Continue reading »

Renovations to student media offices began over the holidays. The construction will allow all media students to be centrally located in one office. Room S-120 in the Student Life Center, originally the location of the Matrix, is being expanded to accommodate MSC-TV, Fall Line Review and the Matrix. Continue reading »

Ever wonder what your professors are doing after hours? The answer may be more surprising than you think—they might be ballroom dancing. Continue reading »

The first class of nursing students based at the Warner Robins campus was honored on Tuesday, Dec. 18, at a pinning ceremony. Continue reading »

What do you get when you add Desperate Housewives and Sex in the City? Cashmere Mafia—one of the new shows on ABC. Continue reading »