O’Neill Library

Hi, I’m the Answer Wall! I’ve been perched in the O’Neill Library lobby at Boston College since February 2017, except for a year in 2020 when I went fully online. Ask me a question by posting a post-it on me in O’Neill Library. I’ll answer within a day on weekdays. I snooze on the weekends, because answering questions is hard work!

Why do we love Tip O’Neill so much

Why do we love Tip O'Neill so much
Why do we love Tip O’Neill so much

BC highly regards Tip O’Neill because he was a graduate who had a very distinguished career in state and national politics, including US Representative for Cambridge and Boston for sixteen terms and Speaker of the House of Representatives from 1977 to 1987. There are numerous anecdotes of people who called his office and were surprised to hear him answer. He is also remembered as someone who listened and addressed his constituents’ problems as best as he could. BC has honored him many times, and he attended the opening of this library in 1981. I recommend visiting the Burns Library Reading Room to see an exhibit of items from his life and career.

meowl and friends

[drawing of three cat-owl hybrid creatures on a branch] meowl and friends
[drawing of three cat-owl hybrid creatures on a branch] meowl and friends

I love these critters. Thank you for leaving me a delightful little treat. I wish I could pet them.

What’s your favorite fan fiction ship

What's your favorite fan fiction ship
What’s your favorite fan fiction ship

I hear that within fan communities, the “original” ships of Kirk/Spock and Scully/Mulder remain favorites. I also asked one of my Millennial assistants, who said there’s nothing quite like Destiel or Dramione. I’ll lean towards any of those!

BC’s #1 suicide prevention method? asking 4 a friend

BC's #1 suicide prevention method? asking 4 a friend
BC’s #1 suicide prevention method? asking 4 a friend

Have your friend visit the counseling center (or call 617-552–3310, extension 2) right away and ask for a Psychological Emergency Clinician (PEC). More info: bit.ly/bc-pec. If you’re interested in longer-term skills & training for suicide prevention, this mental health & wellness page has strategies and training opportunities: bit.ly/bc-mental-health-wellness.

Why does BC housing have such a messy system?

Why does BC housing have such a messy system?
Why does BC housing have such a messy system?

Every college does. It’s a lot to juggle. But it sounds like things didn’t come out the way you wanted, and I’m sorry about that. On the bright side, perhaps your new situation will gift you with a lifelong friend.

meowl

[drawing of a cat/owl on a branch] meowl
[drawing of a cat/owl on a branch] meowl

Meowl is a beautiful creature! Thank you for this exquisite drawing!