Just a quick roundup of links to libraries who have divvied up library space into different levels of acceptable noise:
- Carleton College
- Stanford University
- Search for specific levels of quiet to find a space in one of the many libraries
- University of Prince Edward Island
- University of Western Ontario
- Western Washington University
Other libraries only spotlight where the quiet areas are:
- Central Oregon Community College
- McGill University
- SUNY Plattsburgh
- University of Windsor
- University of Wyoming
On a related note, an article from July 16, 2012, in the Chronicle of Higher Education looked at the demand for quiet in the libraries.
I should have noted in my post that working with students directly to come up a zoned noise level policy is probably a good idea, as it makes it more likely that the policy will be aligned with actual (as opposed to perceived) student needs.
Hi Stephen,
So glad to see this round-up. Our library just implemented a new Study Zones system (Silent, Quiet, Group) this summer to do student outcry on our libqual survey about the noise levels in the library. We have done a lot of marketing and were very thoughtful with the signage we put up, including some very permanent painted signs and a large color-coded map at the building entrance. Here’s our new noise policy and maps of our study zones: http://purchase.libguides.com/policies. So far it seems to be working very well!
I found this NYU libguide re quiet study areas: http://nyu.libguides.com/content.php?pid=123054&sid=1619461
that I thought would be of interest.
A friend at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee emailed me a link to a photo on his library’s Facebook page that promotes quiet study areas.