The anti-library

Today I went to the National Library in Rome after a nice lunch with Akif at FAO.

I was planning to read some articles on environmental markets, write a bit, send some emails from my lap top. A humble plan for which the library seemed logical. I didn't expect much trouble.

But then, I should have known better. I've lived here for almost 6 years. It's the can't do society.

The National library in Rome has two main anti-library devices.

First, a very clear rule: no bringing in books, no taking out books.
Second: no internet access, anywhere. If you want to research on the internet, well, you can't.

??

I spent half an hour trying to get a library card (with photo). After that I had to put my stuff in a locker, buy a transparent bag for ten cents, put my pens and phone and laptop in the bag (no lap top bags mind you, my macbook must rattle against my locker key). Nevermind the long process of signing in for the locker key and signing out. All in all, it took me a full hour to get me into the library and all of my books, gum, and study accessories out.

Just to be clear, the restricted library items are:

1. books
2. lap top bags
3. water bottles (somewhat logical, but there are no water fountains so I spent the whole time in there dehydrating)
4. thick notepads that look like books.

and no internet access in the whole place! Only research through the card catalogue and only microfiche files!!!

I kept laughing to my friend, "how do they manage to make this not a library but a library museum? We're back in the 17th century. I can't believe this is the national library...." He was laughing too.

And then we had the most productive, silent, prolific day of the year.

I love it here.