Know Your Zone: Navigating the Quiet Zones of the Library

Welcome back from spring break! As you head into the second half of the semester, we want to ask for your cooperation in making the library a conducive environment for all. We have been delighted to see the library being utilized by so many students this semester; however, we have observed an increase in noise levels and have fielded a few complaints and questions about study space policies.

Here are some reminders and tips about how to get the most from your visit to the library while remaining respectful of your fellow Falcons: 

Know Your Zone

We all have our own preferences as to which environments work best for productivity and focus. Here are the best places to go in the library depending on your preferred study style when you need to concentrate: 

Silent Study Zones (Red Zones)

If you prefer to study in an (almost) silent environment, head to the back reading rooms on the main and upper floors of the library. These portions of the library have been specifically chosen as silent study space for those of you who prefer quiet environments when you need to focus.  

Quiet Study Zones (Orange Zones)

If you do not mind a little ambient noise or light chatter, the library lobby, the Bowles Room on the lower level, and open study areas on all three floors (usually found near bookshelves) are great places to study. These areas usually have a little more traffic, especially during class changes and near the service desks on the main floor, so volume in these areas occasionally can get a little loud for a brief time. In these study spaces, quiet conversations at a hushed volume are allowed. 

Collaborative Study Zones (Green Zones)

Those looking for collaborative workspaces to work with a small group should book one of our group study rooms. These rooms allow for collaboration and conversations at a normal indoor volume. Be aware these rooms are not soundproof.  

Mindfulness & Respectfulness

The end of the semester can be a tense and stressful time with upcoming deadlines. Please remember to be respectful of those around you in the library and be mindful of how you might be impacting the study environment. 

Here are some additional tips:

• Use headphones when listening to music or watching videos. If you forgot yours, check with the Library Services desk to borrow a pair of ours!
• Silent and Quiet Study spaces are not appropriate places to make a call or take part in an online meeting. Consider reserving either study room 001 or 002 on the lower level of the library (which can be booked by individuals for these purposes) for longer conversations. For quick calls, step into the entryway of the main entrance of the library or the café.
• Single-use, disposable earplugs are available at the Library Services and Reference Desks on the library's main floor. We usually have them out on the counter around finals when the building is busier, but we usually keep a small supply in stock – just ask one of the library staff members for a pair to take.
• While the library staircases seem like a quiet spot for a quick private conversation or a phone call, they actually carry noise between floors.  

You’ll notice some new signs around the library with some visual reminders about which study zone you’re in – red (silent) or orange (quiet). The café and study rooms are all green (normal conversation volume) zones and do not have posted signs.

If you’re in a space that is getting a bit too noisy and you do not feel comfortable asking your fellow library users to be mindful of their volume, please contact the Library Services desk via chat. A library staff member will check in on the area. 

A quiet environment helps us all focus better, think more clearly, and make the most of our study time. Let’s all work together to make the library a welcoming place for all.