Written by: Lexi Tucker
Before attending the University of Missouri, did you participate in a campus tour? If so, you might remember your first time walking through Ellis Library and hearing fun facts about the number of volumes or the conveniently placed Bookmark Café. Most of this information is true and a great highlight for the library; however, it’s time to debunk the myth that the floors get progressively quieter the higher you go.
Whether you believed it to be a true stereotype of most libraries, or if the tour guides made a point to tell you, it’s simply untrue that Ellis Library restricts noise on ANY floor. Instead, Ellis has designated quiet zones. A quiet zone will be dictated by a sign at the entrance with some additional information, like the sign for Room 114 on the first floor.
Another key difference to note is the concept of quiet zones versus quiet spaces. Quiet zones are meant to be silent, whereas quiet spaces encourage a lower volume. For example, Reading Room 201 is a quiet zone, and Room 202 right next door () is a quiet space. For clear indications before arriving at a room check out the MU Library page for a labeled map.
So don’t be afraid to talk on the fourth floor! Tour guides may say patrons will glare at you for making sound up there, but in most cases, students are more focused on studying than you dropping your water bottle or talking to your friend. Check out this additional sensory map for locations in Ellis Library that best suit your studying habits.