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University library Apple store row
By Liang Yiwen |
September 15, 2011, Thursday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
AN Apple store launched in the library of Peking University in Beijing has led to heated debate about commercial enterprises on campus.
The 40-square-meter store is on the third floor of the library. Glass walls separate it from the study hall.
Some students are angry that the library replaced a study area with a business and fear the store will ruin the quiet academic environment.
A student identified as "yrzzl" criticized the library for opening the store without the approval of students and lecturers.
However, other students said they were unconcerned about the new store and said it's a worthwhile effort to combine traditional printed books with the latest technology.
The store was launched by Shanghai Liangyu Science and Technology Development Co Ltd, an authorized dealer of the Apple brand.
The company told Shanghai Daily that the store in the library is an experience center for students rather than a retail outlet. The store will also provide maintenance services for customers.
Students can also buy equipment at discount prices there, just as at other outlets.
Liangyu has launched similar centers in 10 Shanghai universities in the past two years. Moreover, the firm has stores in 30 universities in other major cities.
But none have aroused such public outcry because all are in the campus shopping area rather than a place of study.
Some observers speculated that the library leased space to the Apple store simply to make money.
Shanghai Daily called the curator's office yesterday but a member of staff who answered the phone refused to comment.
Peking University library staff told Beijing Times that it has no commercial relationship with the store and introduced the center into the library to help students experience the latest digital technology while studying.
The library told the newspaper it may close the store if students strongly oppose it.
The 40-square-meter store is on the third floor of the library. Glass walls separate it from the study hall.
Some students are angry that the library replaced a study area with a business and fear the store will ruin the quiet academic environment.
A student identified as "yrzzl" criticized the library for opening the store without the approval of students and lecturers.
However, other students said they were unconcerned about the new store and said it's a worthwhile effort to combine traditional printed books with the latest technology.
The store was launched by Shanghai Liangyu Science and Technology Development Co Ltd, an authorized dealer of the Apple brand.
The company told Shanghai Daily that the store in the library is an experience center for students rather than a retail outlet. The store will also provide maintenance services for customers.
Students can also buy equipment at discount prices there, just as at other outlets.
Liangyu has launched similar centers in 10 Shanghai universities in the past two years. Moreover, the firm has stores in 30 universities in other major cities.
But none have aroused such public outcry because all are in the campus shopping area rather than a place of study.
Some observers speculated that the library leased space to the Apple store simply to make money.
Shanghai Daily called the curator's office yesterday but a member of staff who answered the phone refused to comment.
Peking University library staff told Beijing Times that it has no commercial relationship with the store and introduced the center into the library to help students experience the latest digital technology while studying.
The library told the newspaper it may close the store if students strongly oppose it.
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