Speculations have arisen that the new construction efforts made to the Edinburgh Main Library have induced a different, more trendy atmosphere, with some unexpected outcomes. One student, outside the entrance remarked that the illuminated “LIBRARY” sign resembled those found in front of nightclubs, with “CAFE” being the VIP section, of course. Additionally, the aesthetic improvements have led to an increase in library population, many of you will agree with this in light of the difficulty there now is to find a desk at peak working times. So given that the library now looks chic, and that more students are feeling inclined to spend more time here, is it possible that it is the new place to meet that ‘special’ person? Has the foyer entrance gates turned into a revolving catwalk, continuously ushering in the latest selection of fresh looking students? ‘People watching’ is a common past time (no doubt fueled by the totalitarian and all pervading Facebook), but it seems to take on a new form in the library, with it being less a method of procrastination, and, from observing some of the male students in particular, the grander purpose of choosing to work here rather than in the comfort of their own homes.
The instant success of Fitfinder appears to have had a genuine effect on the way that students ‘people watch’ in working environments, for instance, making nightclub tactics of “sharking” for girls and yes, guys, somewhat legitimate in the library. Despite Fitfinder’s temporary hiatus (until the creator graduates), the emergence of ‘Floxx : the new Fitfinder’ seems to continue the culture, and the effect it’s having is tangible. Original complaints for Fitfinder was that its ambiguity can allow for bullying, and from reading Floxx for the last half an hour, the prospect of being written about in that way can easily loose its novelty. Arguably, one student told me: its science; “What do you think happens when you get thousands of 18-23 year olds to attend the same place regularly? Nature will prevail!”. The instillation of the PODS, and even the private and intriguing “accessible study rooms” are flammable places for flirtation, with relatively unrestricted internet access at the click of a button not helping matters.
An unveiling moment in such concerns occurred when I stumbled into hearing range of a male student talking to a girl he had just met, inviting her outside for a cigarette and getting her number. This invitation to ‘smurt’ (smoke and flirt) happened in the space of roughly five minutes, and all here, directly beside PODS F2 and F3. I cant be blamed, such a commotion amidst the quietness of the working environment only invites eavesdropping. The intensity of such interactions appears to increase the later it gets, and when there are fewer people around. Yes, the later opening hours are a god-send to the more nocturnal of us students; but is it now all really about the studying? Regardless of the occasionally unwelcome glance, and the annoying couple that really do laugh too loud in the midnights hours on the first floor computer lab, there is an admitted enjoyment to be found in appreciating the library’s new social function. It's sort of like killing two birds with one stone. After all, "all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy".
Below is an image of a note left for a friend at her desk. The author/artist drew this to woo her after she'd declining to go for coffee with him previously. She still cant remember his name.
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