Would you like to see an example of America's infrastructure?

"....Address the Lauinger Problem", as The Hoya (student newspaper at Georgetown University) put it in an editorial (issue of Friday, Dec. 5, 2008). Indeed, our campus' main library is not only not known as a beauty, it has some other severe drawbacks.

I can't put it more vivid terms than the editorial: ".. not just because it's physically ugly, outdated and decrepit. (Earlier this semester, for instance, Lauinger's ceiling was leaking so much that many stacks had to be covered with blue tarp to protect them from water damage.
In its current configuration, Lauinger stifles the intellectual life of our community. With only a handful of meeting rooms and woefully inadequate study space, it remains stuck in an obsolete notion of what a library should be. In the 21st century, a library must be more than a warehouse for storing books."
And it goes on: "Changes must reflect the need for expanded study and meeting space, and for the development of a more inviting learning environment. Lauinger must become a destination, not a mark of shame on our campus."

It's indeed a sad reality: Tables and chairs are worn out and seemingly never clean, the restrooms seem to be not properly taken care of, the computers are slow (except those in the Media section on the first floor), the heating system is crazy (either too hot or too cold, and the air filter are either too loud or (but usually and) not really working well so its a stuffy atmosphere to work in. Copy machines are often out of order and ...
And one wonders about the ridiculous security measures (whenever you enter, show your ID; as if that would prevent somebody to make nasty things...; however, sometimes the guards are too much into a conversation among themselves...).

However, one must point out that the staff is really friendly and always ready to help. And, a big advantage compared to the University of St. Gallen: you can download journal articles and papers online from home by logging in - you do not need to download them on the campus.

A nice idea from Singapore: RFID chips to make everybody able to check out books individually instead of waiting in line for too long and bothering the circulation desk guys (who are students, and sometimes do not seem to be very committed to do their job).