I want to follow up my previous letter to the editor, published on May 17, in which I commented on two acts of vandalism that occurred in Perkins Library during finals week.
It turns out that one of those incidents was no act of vandalism after all—to my considerable relief. Allow me to set the record straight.
After reading my description of the books that were left in a state of disarray on the lower level of Perkins, a graduating senior wrote me earlier this week to explain. What our library staff discovered was not the aftermath of a thoughtless prank, but rather a final project in Theater Studies. Further, I have since learned that the number of books involved and the state they were left in were not as bad as initially reported. No books were damaged, and all were eventually returned by library staff to their proper places.
Reading the student’s email reminded us here in the libraries not to jump too soon to conclusions—a lesson we all keep learning throughout our lives, even long after we graduate. “The L2 stacks happen to be one of my favorite places to browse for fun,” she wrote. “I’ve found books in those stacks on quirky topics like the history of kissing and medieval clothing trends. The Duke libraries have been very special to me over the past four years. Thinking about the concern that my final project has created based on the tone of your letter, and the way I might be able to clear that up, has made me feel very remorseful since reading it last night.”
I am greatly appreciative of the student who came forward to explain. But more than that, I am relieved to know that our Duke students are still as honest, considerate and respectful of the written word as I’ve always known them to be.
Deborah Jakubs
Rita DiGiallonardo Holloway University librarian and vice provost for library affairs
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