I have no trouble on glossy displays (or any other type, for that matter) making out any element of the user interface.  Are you sure your monitor is properly calibrated with a good black point?

I don't know what "photo labels in the library" means exactly, but the text (filenames or whatever you have set up) is darker than the background on the Library mode thumbnails.  For folder names, they are brighter than the background but it's RGB=216 versus 71 for the background.

Are you sure you don't have a corrupt monitor profile that's just messing up all the colors?  Could you show us a screen-shot or, perhaps even better, a photograph of your screen?

customizer2 wrote:

 

The concept of a miniascule difference in contrast between text and backgroiund of only 12% is nuts.

I am unable to find anywhere in the user interface where such a situation exists.  Could you be more specific about where you see that?

Wait - maybe it's because you don't have those thumbs selected.

All your screen shots are pretty decently visible to me, and I have a parapolic fluorescent fixture right above my monitor.

The resolution you are using isn't that high.  I have a 15" laptop with a 1920x1200 monitor and the text is visible on that no problem.  I also use Jeffrey's configurator to make the text smaller than you can make it with the regular controls.

ssprengel wrote:

 

The thumbnail text is dimmer when the image is unselected for Import.  That is the difference between his and yours.  Undo the checkmarks and compare.

The focus is intentionlly set on the "unimported" pictures, not those already in the LR catalog. Regardless, I can read the text on all of the pictures in the Import module with no issues. My display is ~89 dpi versus the OP's 110 dpi, which is about 25% smaller font size. My normal viewing distance is ~24" and even at 36" view distance (50% smaller font size) I can still read the Import text fine. Here's a 100% size screen shot:

Customizer2 double-click the below image to see full-size on your screen and see if you can read it. Make sure your browser is not windowed (i.e. set to full screen view).

I believe Adobe has changed the LR4 UI for usage under optimum editing light conditions, which enhances the ability to adjust shadow details and black points. I agree that it is probably not necessary inside the Import module, but was probably done to maintain “balanced” screen brightness between modules. This helps to keep the pupils at the same dilation and reduces accommodation due to screen light level fluctuations.

I'd ask your boss if it would be OK to remove at least two (2) bulbs from the fixture. I had the same exact problem at my workplace and had the janitor remove three (3) of the 48" FL bulbs from the fixture over my desk. My neighboring coworkers saw the difference and then asked to have the janitor take two (2) bulbs out of the fixtures over their desks. My boss then came out of his office and asked for a vote, which was anonymous. He instructed the janitor to remove two bulbs from every fixture in the entire office space. He wasn't about to complain since he was paying for the electric bill.

If that doesn't work I'd take Keith_Reeder's tip concerning a monitor hood. I made one out of corrugated cardboard spayed with flat black paint on the inside and it did the job at a cost of 99 cents for the paint. You pays your money and takes your choice.

customizer2 wrote:

 

I might have to dig out that old black karate jacket that came with my PressView.

Way to go. Don't forget the black pirate's eye patch

I've recently(six months) started using a 27" display, and even though it's matte, it still picks up room reflections.

The two best--if not most convenient--things you can do is rig an approx. 4'x4' black card or cloth right behind you as you look at the screen, plus take all the ambient room light that's hitting you off of the side of you that faces the screen(black yourself out)..