Question 130·Easy·Cross-Text Connections
Text 1 Public libraries should reaffirm their original mission as quiet repositories of books. Converting floor space into makerspaces, gaming tables, and cafés only distracts from that purpose, strains limited budgets, and jeopardizes the silent atmosphere that readers need. By preserving large print collections and maintaining hushed reading rooms, libraries can best serve the public.
Text 2 Public libraries have continually evolved. Over the past century they have offered lecture series, children’s story times, job-search assistance, and digital lending, while still circulating print. The constant is access to knowledge, not adherence to a single format or a uniformly silent environment. Quiet rooms remain important, but libraries should also support collaborative learning through programs and tools like coding clubs and 3D printers.
Based on the texts, how would the author of Text 2 most likely respond to the claim in Text 1 that libraries should remain primarily quiet repositories of books?
For cross-text questions, first summarize each passage’s main claim in your own words, focusing on what each author thinks libraries (or the subject) should be like. Then ask: Would the second author agree, partly agree, or disagree with the first author’s main claim, and for what reason? Finally, go to the answer choices and eliminate any that: (1) have the wrong stance (agree vs. disagree), or (2) give a reason that the second text does not actually mention. Work from text evidence, not from your own opinions about the topic.
Hints
Clarify Text 1’s position
Reread the first and last sentences of Text 1. What does the author say libraries should be, and what types of spaces does this author criticize?
Clarify Text 2’s position
Focus on the sentences in Text 2 that mention how libraries have “continually evolved” and the idea that “the constant is access to knowledge.” What kinds of spaces and activities does Text 2 support?
Compare agreement vs. disagreement
Ask yourself: Would the Text 2 author support the idea that libraries should be primarily quiet book repositories, or would they want something broader? Decide first whether they would agree, partly agree, or disagree.
Connect your comparison to an answer choice
After deciding whether Text 2 agrees or disagrees with Text 1, look for the choice that matches both that stance and Text 2’s specific reasoning about how libraries should function.
Step-by-step Explanation
Identify Text 1’s main claim
Look at the key sentence in Text 1: “Public libraries should reaffirm their original mission as quiet repositories of books.” The author:
- Opposes converting space into “makerspaces, gaming tables, and cafés”
- Says these “distract,” “strain budgets,” and “jeopardize the silent atmosphere”
- Concludes that by keeping large print collections and “hushed reading rooms,” libraries “can best serve the public”
So Text 1 says libraries should mainly be quiet book-focused spaces and avoid newer, more active uses of space.
Identify Text 2’s main view of libraries
Now examine how Text 2 describes libraries:
- “Public libraries have continually evolved.”
- Lists many changing services: lecture series, story times, job help, digital lending
- Says “The constant is access to knowledge, not adherence to a single format or a uniformly silent environment.”
- States “Quiet rooms remain important, but libraries should also support collaborative learning” with “coding clubs and 3D printers.”
So Text 2 values both quiet and collaborative spaces and emphasizes change and adaptation, not just quiet and books.
Determine how Text 2 would respond to Text 1
Compare the two positions:
- Text 1: Libraries should mostly be quiet book repositories and not turn space into makerspaces or similar areas.
- Text 2: Libraries have always changed and should offer both quiet rooms and collaborative learning spaces with modern tools.
This means the author of Text 2 would disagree with the idea that libraries should remain primarily quiet repositories of books. Text 2 thinks evolution and multiple types of spaces are essential.
Match that response to the best answer choice
Now match this disagreement and reasoning to the options:
- We need an option where Text 2 disagrees with Text 1 because libraries have a history of adapting and should include collaborative spaces along with quiet areas.
The only choice that clearly shows that disagreement and mentions both historical adaptation and a mix of quiet and collaborative areas is:
B) Disagree, because libraries have historically adapted to new ways of sharing knowledge and should include collaborative spaces alongside quiet areas.