What is the definition of a “community member?”  As residents of Valdosta, Remerton, Lowndes County, and Valdosta State, it appears to me that all students of VSU are members of this community, whether it is temporary or not.  As I seem to recall, one of the purposes of many student organizations is to reach out to, and help the community; that very community which is comprised of those locals which are so despised by the student body at VSU.  Or maybe it is only when the locals tread onto student territory that they become so unwanted? 

 I have to say that I am at quite a loss as to why such an “us versus them” mentality is being fostered amongst the student body concerning the library.  It is a bastion of knowledge, an outlet of understanding, and the student body wants to hog it all.  There is talk of the Valdosta Public library.  Is a serious comparison being made between the research capabilities of Odum library and the Valdosta Public library? 

 Now, I understand that the computer labs in the library should be for student use only.  That is why we have the active sync log-in system.  One must be a student to use those facilities and if it is desired to prevent locals from using these machines, then do one’s part and log off every time.  I also understand that the Odum library is a sanctuary for studying, but how many times can a person walk around the shelves and hear rancid tales of sex, boisterous accounts of weekend activities, and less than eloquent opinions about students and faculty at absurd volumes?  Not such a sanctuary of peace and studying. 

 The local usage of computers doesn’t seem to be the issue here.  The locals being a vocal disturbance doesn’t really seem that important either.  So what is the fundamental problem here?  Student verses local altercations.  I agree.  If a local and a student get in to a fight, the non-student should be asked to leave.  If these altercations are serious enough, as The Spectator seems to say, then I feel that the trespassing warrants suffice. 

 An easy way to prevent future altercations and a widening rift between students and locals is to think about the situations at hand.  Are a mother and child in the library that big of an issue?  If the child begins screaming and the parent doesn’t take the child outside, it is not up to the student to correct the person.  Contact a librarian and complain.  Chances are that by the time venting is finished, the child will be gone and if not, then the librarian can take official action. 

 Another way to prevent altercations is to change the way we are thinking.  Many community members that frequent the library are alumni and former educators.  These alumni are still allowed on campus, and at one time they paid for the library too.  A child loose in the library is not a sure sign of local status either, for there are many non-traditional students enrolled at VSU, and life isn’t always convenient.  And that is my entire point:  we are not entitled, and life isn’t convenient.