From a practical standpoint, I can see how having a cafeteria or coffee bar on the premises might benefit busy students by not forcing them to leave the libary building for lunch or dinner or for even a quick soda break. So I probably wouldn't be opposed to opening a facility somewhere that wouldn't be a distraction to those who wish to study in a quiet place.

On the other hand, I don't believe that trendy hangouts will encourage students to make use of the library if they don't already have the inclination to do so themselves. They may be "hanging out" in the libary, but what good is that if they don't make use of the materials there?

One other issue concerns me as well. I hope that as institutions implement these policies that they don't forget about the needs of the quiet, bookish students -- if you'll forgive me, the "nerds" who don't feel comfortable in the trendy locations and who enjoy the solitude of the libary. I'm really concerned about those quiet, introspective students who simply love the library for what it is -- a repository for wonderful books and learning materials.

-- Dana Zimbleman, assistant professor of English, Jefferson College (posted 11/13, 2:15 p.m., U.S. Eastern time)

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