Library FAQs

Working in the library, I get many questions on the rules and general knowledge of the library. Why is it so loud in the library? You aren’t allowed to eat in there are you? Do they have any books that I could check out to read just for fun? These are some questions I get asked frequently. So why not write them all down and answer them for the masses?
In regards to the first—and most frequently discussed—question, it may be your location. The library has four floors, and there is an unspoken rule that the farther up you go the quieter you should be. So if you would like some silence, third floor is the place for you. If you have a project to work on with others try the basement, or a study room on second floor. As far as eating in the library goes, go for it. People have gone as far as to order a pizza, and have it delivered to the library. If you ever need to just spend the day in the library and crack out some hard core studying, don’t be shy bring as much or as little food and beverage as you desire.
For the last question there are indeed many different books that you can check out just for fun. We have the Whipple section right on the main floor, which is full of books that are popular now. It’s always worth a look. We also have young adult, and children book sections in the basement. You can find Harry Potter, Divergent, or even Dr. Seuss. Brittany B.

Coe Etiquette Book 1941 - the digital exhibit!

Good morning all and sundry!!

The last page of Coe's 1941 Etiquette Book was posted last Saturday.  If you are missing your weekly fix you can find the book in its entirety on the archive's digital exhibit page.  You can also go back and look at past blog posts and comment on the various intricacies of etiquette in 1941, or etiquette today!

Can you believe I was only planning on this taking up a month of blog posts?  Now we are approaching a new semester and I need to find something else to blog about.  It shouldn't be too hard, there are numerous Coe treasures in the archive to choose from.  Do I have any requests?  Cosmos cartoons, campus buildings, past student events, George T. Henry photos...?

I hope everyone is having a great holiday break.  I will see you in 2013.

Have a great day

~Sara Pitcher, Archives Assistant

Coe Etiquette Book 1941 - Other Suggestions and Do's and Don'ts

The rules for smoking on campus are much different today due to government laws.  Does anyone want to take a stab at writing an equivalent etiquette note for smoking today?

I find the last part of number 1, under Do's and Don'ts, rather curious "Don't persistently borrow from your friends and forget to return things  -- especially their favorite dates."  I wonder if there is a story behind that tag line.

What are your thoughts behind these suggestions?  I probably should have mentioned this earlier, but there is a place to leave a reply at the bottom.  Your welcome (and heartily encouraged) to pitch in your two cents on the etiquette rules described.

~Sara Pitcher, Archives Assistant

 

Coe Etiquette Book 1941 - Date Problems

 

Thoughts?   Most of this seems like practical advice that is still applicable today.  Is there anything that isn't?  Are you surprised to see a section on dating in a college etiquette book?

~Sara Pitcher, Archives Assistant

Coe Etiquette Book 1941 - Addressing the Faculty, Illness, and Telephones

Any thoughts on this weeks etiquette advice from 1941?

I find the telephone system interesting.  In 1941 it was one telephone a floor (1 telephone for 25 students), Murray hall was built in the 60s with a telephone in every room (1 telephone for 2 students), and today there is no more need to warn against "hog-calling" in Green Hall since everyone has their own cell phone.

~Sara Pitcher, Archives Assistant

Coe Etiquette Book 1941 - Table Manners and Rooms

Thoughts?  Any etiquette suggestions still valid today?  Any that are most definitively not valid today?

Eating arrangements are much different today.  For one there are no longer dinning rooms in the halls.  Everyone eats together in the cafeteria.  For another meals are no longer served to tables, but buffet style.  Do you like the cafeteria or would you rather go back to the more formal meals of the past?

I found it interesting that the women get a lecture on how her room is "the key to her personality", and the men get a list of dos and don'ts.  I do find number eight amusing, and have to wonder if there was an incident that prompted its inclusion.

~Sara Pitcher, Archives Assistant

Coe Etiquette Book 1941 - Dance Etiquette

I must say I am a little sorry for the guys attending dances in 1941, everything was their fault!  Though, I imagine the girl regretted taking advantage of this advice when she failed to get a second date after stepping on the guys toes one too many times.

Today dances are just one of many options for social events on campus.  How does the etiquette described here compare to dance etiquette today?  Are there any bits of past dance etiquette that should be brought back?

~Sara Pitcher, Archives Assistant

Coe Etiquette Book 1941 - Clothes and What to Wear

We don't have a "dress-up" day in the cafeteria anymore.  Does anyone think we should?

If this is the dress code for a college student in 1941, what would the dress code for 2012 look like?  What should and shouldn't be worn to class, campus events, and formal occasions?

~Sara Pitcher, Archives Assistant

Coe Etiquette Book 1941: Invitations

The 1941 etiquette book seems to have advice and guidelines for every situation.  On one hand, I imagine it would have been kind of nice to have these guidelines as a Coe student, especially if encountering these situations for the first time.  On the other, it seems rather daunting a stuffy.

What are your thoughts?  Would you utilize a Coe etiquette book that was published in 2012?  Are there situations where these rules still apply (wedding invitations?, formal white house dinners?)?

~Sara Pitcher, Archives Assistant

Coe Etiquette Book 1941: Travel and Dining Out

A bit of etiquette from a bygone day.  The advice today sounds rather elegant...what do you think?

The travel advice is in reference to travel by train.  I often see alumni complaints and remembrances from the time period telling of dodging the trains in downtown Cedar Rapids on the way to events.

Has anyone traveled by train?  Is any of this advice valid today?

~Sara Pitcher, Archives Assistant

Coe Etiquette Book 1941 - Theaters, Teas and Receptions

Thoughts on the etiquette advice for theaters?  What is out of date, still valid, or should be added advice for the 21st century? The most obvious 21st century addition would be a note about cell phones, any others?



I have come across photographs in the archives of teas held at Coe.  Interestingly enough all the women are usually wearing (or holding) gloves.  I never knew it was practically required!?  What do you think?  Do old fashioned teas sound fun or overly stuffy?

There is a good chance that you will end up at a reception at Coe.  They are frequently held after speaking events to allow the audience members to personally speak with the presenter for a few minutes.  Don't be afraid of attending if you are invited to one.

~Sara Pitcher, Archives Assistant

Coe Etiquette Book 1941 - Miscellaneous Suggestions

I actually laughed out loud at this one "You may be pinned to the boy, but this doesn't give you permission to be half carried to class".  What about you?  Anything particularly amusing?  Anything that is relevant advice today?

~Sara Pitcher, Archives Assistant

Coe Etiquette Book 1941 - Conversation

I think face to face conversation is a dying art form.  Do you agree?

~Sara Pitcher, Archives Assistant

Coe Etiquette Book 1941 - Introductions

Would anyone in gender studies like to take a shot at this one?  This was written in 1941, so there are some views that are outdated.  Are there any nuggets of wisdom that apply today?

~Sara Pitcher, Archives Assistant

Coe Etiquette Book 1941 - Voorhees Porch and Personal Appearance

Are there any words of wisdom for today in here? I think there are.  There are also some rather silly and out dated views.  What do you think?

~Sara Pitcher, Archives Assistant

Coe Etiquette Book 1941 - Loyalty

There are bits of serious advice for today in here, can you find them?

~Sara Pitcher, Archives Assistant

Coe Etiquette Book 1941- Appointments with Instructors and Class

This is one of those instances where the wisdom of the past applies today.  I can not give better advice.

It sounds silly to be told to smile to your professor and classmates, to be warned against chewing your gum too loud, and to be on time (you are able adults not children after all), but overall this is good advice.  Class will be more interesting if you are friendly, prepared, and engaged.

~Sara Pitcher, Archives Assistant

 

Coe Etiquette Book 1941- Friendliness and Library Etiquette

In 1941 there were 738 students on campus, a far smaller number than the more than 1300 there are today. But, this first bit of advice is still good; don't hesitate to speak to students, faculty and staff you see on campus.  It is a grand feeling to be able to speak to practically everyone you meet!

No the dining room staff are not your fellow students anymore, but please do treat them with courtesy along with the staff from physical plant who maintain the campus.  Saying good morning, good evening, and showing them respect (even when they can't get to your problem immediately) is very good advice still applicable today.

We have a very fine library on campus. I'll let you decide if it is still one of the finest in Iowa.  In certain areas quiet is appreciated, especially on the third floor.  Study is still an objective, but ignore the rest of that second paragraph.   Study groups, club meetings, and events are welcome and can be expected in the library.  This means noise!  You can also have food in the library (except in the archives).

The librarians and assistants are here for your convenience.  Feel free to ask questions, get directions, or just say hi (we won't bite, I promise)!

Students can check-out books for 28 days and can renew them for a total check out of 56 days (almost 2 months!), periodicals (magazines and journals) can be checked out for 3 days, and DVDs can be checked out for 3-7 days (depending if it is a new release or not).  Yes, if you fail to return library material you will be fined!

Next week: the etiquette of appointments with instructors and classes.

~Sara Pitcher, Archives Assistant

Coe Etiquette Book 1941

At the left is the cover of an etiquette book provided to the students in 1941.  Every Saturday, in the coming weeks, you can find bits of wisdom from this book here.  Some of its suggestions will be amusing, some I will encourage you to ignore, and some of its advice is still valid today and can help you have an enjoyable college experience.  But first, an introduction from students of 1941 to the students of 2012.

~Sara Pitcher, Archives Assistant