LMT recently discussed concerns about quiet study areas in Ellis Library. After designating and defining quiet areas, they formed a group to update policy, determine signage and communicate this information to staff and users.
Quiet Study Areas Working Group Members: Shannon Cary, Cindy Cotner, Tammy Green, Julie Rogers and Karen Witt
Based on discussions by LMT and the Quiet Study Areas Working Group, the following distinctions were given to areas of Ellis Library based on acceptable levels of noise.
Not Quiet Areas:
• Bookmark Café
• First Floor (except CPRR)
• Group Study Rooms
Absolutely Quiet Areas:
• Current Periodicals Reading Room (CPRR)
• Room 201 (including area directly outside room and breezeway above room)
• Room 202
Generally Quiet Areas (hushed conversations allowed):
• Floor 2 (except for 201 and 202)
• Floors 3 (except 201 breezeway) and 4
Special Rules for the Absolutely Quiet Areas
To accommodate users who need a completely quiet study environment, the Library has designated the CPRR, Room 201 and of 202 as “absolutely quiet” areas. The quiet rules for these floors are more stringent and are more stringently enforced. If users cannot abide by these rules, they should avoid these areas.
• No talking above a whisper.
• No extended conversations, even at a whisper.
• No use of cell phones whatsoever.
• No other noise sources are permitted on the floor.
Special enforcement provisions for the absolutely quiet areas:
• There will be periodic walkthroughs by Library Security to enforce quiet and other rules.
• Library staff will respond promptly to requests for enforcement from users.
• All staff members have responsibility for enforcing the quiet policy in a polite and friendly manner. If a staff member is uncomfortable with enforcing the policy, please contact Library Security.
• Rooms 201 and 202 are occasionally used for events. Signs will be posted at least 24 hours in advance of use of these rooms, so that users can find alternate study space.
We will be communicating these quiet study area designations to users through signs and periodic announcements on the gateway.
Reminders for Staff
• If you are teaching in room 213, please close the door within 10 minutes of the beginning of class.
• If you walk through the building for recreation or exercise, please refrain from conversations or keep conversations quiet as is appropriate for the section of the building you are walking through.
• In the “generally quiet” areas it is expected that there will be some noise from staff members who are working or leading groups through the library. Please try to keep noise at a reasonable level especially when users are studying in these areas.
Please contact any of the members of the Working Group if you have questions, comments or suggestions.