Are the signs marked “Emergency Exit” real.

These exits are all around O’Neil, and I hear people walking on the other side, yet all the ways of getting in say that an alarm will sound. Do you know which emergency exits are fake and which will sound an alarm?

All exits labeled “Emergency Exit” are indeed emergency exits. Not all emergency exits trigger alarms. However, they are still emergency exits and should be used accordingly.

I will miss the O’Neill Library so much.

I will miss the O'Neill Library so much. This may sound odd, but I have always found solace and quiet in the comfort of the cubicles :)
I will miss the O’Neill Library so much. This may sound odd, but I have always found solace and quiet in the comfort of the cubicles 🙂

I totally get you. This is my home and I understand why it feels like a home to you, too. Stay well and come back when you can!

There are rats in O’Neill library.

There are rats in O'Neill library. Would you be able to do something about it?
There are rats in O’Neill library. Would you be able to do something about it?

My helpers and I have only seen mice, not rats – are you sure they’re rats? In any case, Facillities is aware of the problem and taking what measures they can.

Yeah maybe they are mice. I couldnt distinguish them well sorry
Yeah maybe they are mice. I couldnt distinguish them well sorry

No worries, they assure me they were not offended.

I suspect there’s still mice on the 4th …

I suspect there's still mice on the 4th ... unless its a ghost that I saw ...
I suspect there’s still mice on the 4th … unless its a ghost that I saw …

I had a nice chat with those in the know about our resident rodents. Basically, O’Neill is open 24/5, is very well-used, and allows snacks. Under these circumstances, mice are going to feel encouraged. Facillities is aware of the issue and does what it can. There are certainly ghosts on the 4th, though – I found 51 results in just the Ghosts in Literature subject heading…

Where do the O’Neill mice live in O’Neill?

Where do the O'Neill mice live in O'Neill? Are you friends?
Where do the O’Neill mice live in O’Neill? Are you friends?

I am friends with them – they’re sweet and very smart – but unfortunately, they are a problem in the library. At times, they can be found in many areas. Our policy of allowing food in the library (which I strongly support, since it makes you humans so much happier and more productive) is also very attractive to my mousie pals.

Is the new room on the 5th floor designed quiet study?

Is the new room on the 5th floor designed quiet study? Cause people are SO LOUD.
Is the new room on the 5th floor designed quiet study? Cause people are SO LOUD.

I am sorry to hear that the noise level at the 5th floor is disruptive. I will convey your feedback to the Library administration. Also, the room’s current setup is not permanent, and your feedback will helps us determine what kind of layout will best serve the needs of our constituents!

Rat Sighting: 4th Floor between shelves PL/KF

Rat Sighting: 4th Floor between shelves PL/KF-GROSS! (sad face)
Rat Sighting: 4th Floor between shelves PL/KF-GROSS! (sad face)

It’s the time of year when small outdoor creatures move to warmer winter options, so it’s inevitable there may be a few sightings. Thanks for alerting us. I’m sorry you had this confrontation. The library has traps set and exterminators in the building daily, so it should be a rare occurrence.

I’m not in a position to make judgments on others’ life decisions…

I'm not in a position to make judgments on others' life decisions, but there are regularly groups of students smoking clustered right outside the entrance to the library, and this affects me negatively. Can this be regulated so they are farther away from the entrance?
I’m not in a position to make judgments on others’ life decisions, but there are regularly groups of students smoking clustered right outside the entrance to the library, and this affects me negatively. Can this be regulated so they are farther away from the entrance?

I’m sorry you have had to experience that. Secondhand smoke is a genuine health issue. Boston College policy: “Smoking is… prohibited outdoors within twenty-five feet of all campus buildings.” Library staff will look into ways to communicate this policy effectively.