Students need to control volume

The other day I was in the Main Library, trying to study for my two Spanish midterms — like a good student — when from across the first floor hall I heard music blaring from someone’s iPod earbuds.

Anne O’Dell

Everyone who has been on the first floor west side knows it’s not the most peaceful place to study, but seriously?

It didn’t bother me too much, but the rap music did bother the girl across from me. She claimed she almost could make out every word of the song.

Now, I’m a big fan of music, don’t get me wrong. It’s just unfathomable to me that a person could listen to music that loud. If I can hear it, can’t you?

When a person is in the library, regardless of the purpose, that person should be respectful of those surrounding him or her. People need to be aware of the fact that some people need silence. Obviously not those on the first floor west side, but this isn’t my first encounter with unnecessarily loud headphones.

I think the general rule of thumb with the west side of the library is the higher you go up in the four-story building, the less noise is allowed. People know the first and second floors aren’t as conducive to studying because there’s bound to be a bunch of chatter or group work happening. The third and fourth floors tend to be a little less lenient, but people still don’t respect that rule when it comes to iPod music.

My roommate is a nursing major, and she practically lives at the library. She texted me one night to rant about this guy who was blaring Mozart while she was studying.

Yes, studies show that classical music decreases tension and can improve spatial-temporal reasoning. It is more plausible to play in such a setting than Lil’ Wayne. But the fact of the matter is, if a person had a hankering to listen to Mozart at 11 p.m. on a Tuesday, he or she would play it for themselves. It doesn’t need to be blared across the room.

People who listen to loud music aren’t doing any favors for anyone else. You’re not expanding our horizons. Most likely, it’s a deterrence to learning.

Then there’s the issue of your ears. Personally, I can relate to people who can’t hear well. My father is 97 percent deaf. It’s something he’s dealt with since he was a young boy. The hearing loss is a hereditary problem — he got it from his dad, and his sister is also hard of hearing. Not to mention, it’s something my sister and I have been tested for ever since we were little girls.

Eardrums are being damaged when people listen to something even a little above a natural decibel. Hearing is something most people take for granted. I don’t understand the need to take away something so precious.

I’m not trying to preach to the choir about it. I’m not on a soapbox. I know there are just those songs that you can’t help but blare and dance to — because that’s the only way to truly listen to it. Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson and, sometimes, Miley. I just don’t think the library is a place for that.

And what about the bus?

Capital Area Transportation Authority buses already are too crowded. I know it’s hard to please every single person riding the bus. There’s no getting around the fact it’s cramped and always will be cramped. Most people can’t help it when their face is shoved in their neighbor’s or their arms are butted against some stranger’s. However, if you’re four seats behind me, I should not be able to hear every word of Taylor Swift’s “Our Song.”

There’s a fine line between what’s acceptable and what’s annoying. Walking down the street, loud music most likely won’t bother anyone. There’s a time and place for it — the bar, the car — but sitting in the stacks at the library is a different story.

It’s nothing against people who like loud music. Legally, people have the right to do whatever works best for themselves. It’s one of the perks of America. However, that’s where it should be limited — to the individual. If you want to listen to your iPod as loud as possible, it’s your choice. It’s also your choice to be respectful of your fellow Spartans.

Is it necessary to play music that loud? Do you need every Joe Schmoe in the room to know that you like Godsmack or India Arie?

I’m not trying to be the music grinch. I’m not trying to steal the joy of listening to music, like all the Whos down in Who-ville finding a tree devoid of presents on Christmas morning.

I want you to listen to anything that makes you happy.

Just keep in mind, most people came here for a college education — not a music lesson.

Anne O’Dell is a State News staff writer. Reach her at odellann@msu.edu.