The Chronicle: Colloquy: Responses

My university has opened one of these coffee shops in our undergraduate library. I really don't think it has had a major impact on the degree to which students use the facility, and I don't believe it comes out of the library's budget. But, as a coffee drinker, I see it as a great thing. It makes Detroit a little more like Seattle.

Aside from the increased access to caffeine, there are also social benefits to having these services in the library. It creates another node for people to interact on campus, and perhaps exchange the elusive idea over a drink, or just while waiting in line. I've also observed the occasional student disputing incorrect change at the coffee shop. A true contribution to applied conflict resolution and math proficiency.

So, what's the harm? A little additional social space is not such a bad thing on the modern university campus that is increasingly characterized by distance learning, wireless networks, and commuter students (and faculty). Perhaps the gritty business of coffee grinding and caffeine guzzling will bring some calm to our fast paced university experience.

: -- Rob Silverman, assistant professor, Wayne State University (posted 11/16, 10:10 a.m., U.S. Eastern time)

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