Shh We're Trying to Study

Raritan Valley Community College has set a record high of more than 7,000 students currently enrolled. Finding somewhere quiet to study aside from looking for parking is nearly impossible.

A school with only one small library can make finding a quiet place to study a difficult task. The library is not built to accommodate thousands of students nor is it expected to.  Crowding has caused the library to become full leaving other students searching for areas to study.

Students are offered many places for congregation the cafeteria, sculpture garden, atrium, student lounge, café near welcome center, and seating in the halls. A few scattered location are offered but none of which can provide the environment to study.

Library staff is aware of the issue and has been trying to accommodate the student body. “We have added quite a few chairs and tables over the course of the past two years.” Interim Director Robert Eagen said.

Tables have been added in and around the library and so has seating throughout the halls. Getting in the library is a gamble, one that usually comes down to time. The greatest chance a student has to find a place to study is at 8:30 a.m. Monday through Friday when library doors open.

If the enrollment continues to rise the administration is going to be forced to come up with alternative routes to study areas.  They may offer more online courses or even off campus courses to lessen the crowding on campus. It is an issue the school is working towards fixing.


By Mike Butler