Quiet people, let's have quiet in here

Okay, what's up with people using cell phones in the library. Not people discretely answering their phone as they walk out of the room, but the people who carry on entire (pointless) conversations seated at one of the many tables occupied by other library patrons? Don't these people remember from elementary school that the library is supposed to be a quiet place? Can't they read the signs on the doors to the library telling people to turn their phones to silent or vibrate? Where's the respect for their fellow library detainees? We all have to be there. We can at least not aggravate each other.

I think this is my new pet peeve. Especially as it relates to people who think I'm making to much noise and then proceed to answer their phone and talk about their dinner plans. I watched a girl yesterday walk in, set her books down at the table next to me, and then make two phone calls (outbound). She then picked up her books and left. I'm as shocked as I am amazed. Was the entire outdoors area of campus covered by giant ants or something? Or was the lobby area of all the buildings simultaneously being invaded by bees? If not, why wouldn't one of those places worked to make a phone call? Why come into the one place were we might find a little peace and quite to make a phone call? I just can't comprehend this.

Here are some random tips if you think that you might be one of the offending people above and would like to change your behavior.
- you don't always have to answer your phone. your caller ID and voice mail work.
- people are okay with you calling them back later. if they know you're in law school, being in the library is a legitimate excuse for not returning their call.
- figure out how to use vibrate or silent. it's not hard and there are directions in you manual (or online).
- try text messaging. it's discreet and quiet.
- if you must take the call, politely ask the caller to hold on and walk out of the library or into an unoccupied study room to continue your conversation.

If you fail to do any of the above and continue your rude behavior, be prepared at all times to be whacked on the back of the head by the biggest reporter handy. Thank you.