8:47 a.m.
It’s early, but the library already is busy. Students are filing in, most bearing the distinguishable white iPod earphones. They take a seat, half flipping open laptops, the other half jockeying for a spot at a library computer where they check their e-mail.

It’s loud for a library. The commons area is not known for “quiet study.” A cell phone rings with the theme song for “Miami Vice.” Another student is talking to a friend, complaining. “My laptop has decided it doesn’t want to work today,” he says. “I’m waiting for some idiot to come by and do something with this.” His language deteriorates into a manner unsuitable for a family newspaper, so I’ll stop here.

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