By Mohamad Elfakhani

As the largest study area for the majority of AUB students, Jafet Library can sometimes turn quite noisy. According to AUB Head Librarian, Helen Bikhazi, "Students are having trouble concentrating since there is a lot of group studying going on." Bikhazi continued by reading excerpts of numerous complaints submitted by students about noise pollution at Jafet Library. In an attempt to improve study conditions, the library staff decided to use new cellular signal jammers back in April. These machines block out signals on cellular phones in their vicinity, preventing the phone from receiving or making calls. Bikhazi told Outlook, "We felt that installing the machines, which are also used at LAU Library, would reduce the noise pollution at Jafet and so we sent our request to the Provost and he approved." On the question of the new "Wave Shields", Medicine 2 student Rachad Rayess explained, "I think it's a bad idea. A lot of people cannot be reached by their parents." Joyet Beyene, a new student at AUB doing her Master's degree in Architecture, was surprised. She told Outlook, "I think it's a real hassle for students. There are easier ways of solving the problem, such as creating awareness. But it doesn't make a whole lot of sense to shut signals off. At my old university in the States they didn't have these machines installed." Mathematics graduate Mona Khalife told Outlook, "Cellulars are for urgent cases. They can just ask students to put their phones on silent." When asked about student opinion that cellular phones are needed for emergency cases, Bikhazi answered, "I was here when students had to survive the war years without telephones. What is more of an emergency than that?" References librarian Elie Choueiry added, "We have not received any complaints at all. Students are generally happy with the decision. Library staff have been slightly bothered but it is all for the benefit of the students and that is our top priority." The cellular immobilizer's were purchased for $95 each. Ten machines have been installed in the Reference Room and two in the lobby. More machines for the Reserve Room and Periodicals Room are being ordered. The "Wave Shields" have also been installed at Issam Fares Hall and Assembly Hall.