Where Are The Library Nazis?

Because I have not been in school for almost two decades, you are going to hear about comparisons from what it was like attending university in the late 80s and now when I am walking down the school halls with Generation Z (hmmm, what is next?)  This is one of those "ancient wisdom."

You would not be surprised to find out that I like libraries.  I just love being surrounded by books and know that any one of them can take you to a different place or time, or even better, graciously show you a different point of view.

The problem is, to get to those books in my days (after the use of papyrus scrolls but before they became available in iTunes) you had to get through The Library.  The privilege of the academe, guarded by the champions of the bounded volumes practicing their cult in complete and utter silence.

I walked through the Biola library doors this morning with my take-away coffee cup expecting to be frisked by counter-terrorist agents who will surely take away the illegal beverage deemed to cause the books ultimate destruction.  Guess what?  They let me through!

I proceeded to the second floor. I know there are cameras everywhere, but at least here, you are 10 feet above the Pentagon. I looked for a place to read AND enjoy my coffee and was quickly faced with the following options: reclining chairs, sofas and bean bags, in the hallway, the patio outside, by the window, etc.  What happened to the stiff chairs that has automatic eject system triggered by decibel limits?  Well, they still have those chairs and tables but they are equipped with power outlets, lamps and multi-ports.

Someone must be slacking at the doors because now the library has been infiltrated by lap top computers, iPods, and even cellular phones being used (considerately) in the vicinity of those precious books without the constant badgering of "Silence Puh-leese!"

Alas, I propped myself on a La-Z-boy, read my book, sip my coffee and enjoy this wonderful new freedom.