One of the most frequent comments on our question board on the first floor is about noise in the library. This is an issue we struggle to tackle – both in terms of logistics (how can we always be there at the right time in the right place to address the noise) and philosophy (how we maintain the right balance of quiet without creating an environment of strict, unfriendly rules).
Many libraries struggle with this issue. I recently found a library blog about this issue and responses to it. Many believe that students should take a role in maintaining quiet, asking their fellow students to maintain quiet and setting an example for others to follow.
We’re curious to know how you feel? How would you rate Langsdale on the noise meter? What can we as librarians do to and what should students and others do? How can we all make Langsdale a place that encourages both individual and group learning? We encourage your comments!
One would thing that the areas in Langsdale dedicated as "quiet areas" would only be populated by students that want a place to study that's disturbance free. For the most part, I have had few problems on the third floor, most know and abide by the rules and hopefully do so out of respect for their fellow students. The first floor, however, is a nightmare. Between the indigent population that uses the public computers to screaming children, this is no place to be if you need to concentrate. I wouldn't go so far as to recommend banning non-students from the library, but public safety should have more of a hand in controlling those that disrespect our campus library.
First and foremost all library staff should set a precedence and follow the rules. I have been at the library on numerous occasions and been disturbed by staff members talking loudly to one another. I also think that it would be helpful if there was more signage around the library reminding students of library rules. I usually sit on the first level because of the noise made by students talking on the phone and to each other in the designated study area on the upper level, but have found that the first floor is not much better.
Thanks for your comments. We will encourage librarians and staff to be cognizant of others studying around them.
I absolutely love langsdale; however, It would be really nice if the floors could be labeled by noise. For instance the 1st floor could be group study and whisper, the second quiet, and then the third and up, absolutely quiet. I know that you have recommended telling fellow colleagues to lower their volume ourselves; however, I often find that this does not help. It only gives me rude looks and students who are not confrontational may have a harder problem doing that. I feel that students should be able to come down to the circulation desk and report the students as UMBC does. The library staff then comes to the students who are being disruptive and gives them a first warning. After that warning, if the students continue to be a disturbance, they are asked to leave that floor. Staff members must also be respectful to students. There have been several instances where when a staff member is putting books away, they are on their cell phone. And they are not whispering at all, I mean this is a full blown conversation that the entire library could probably hear. Overall, the langsdale has a wonderful work area, but the noise level has got to be addressed. Otherwise, more students will go to the Law Library to study like I do.
One would thing that the areas in Langsdale dedicated as "quiet areas" would only be populated by students that want a place to study that's disturbance free. For the most part, I have had few problems on the third floor, most know and abide by the rules and hopefully do so out of respect for their fellow students. The first floor, however, is a nightmare. Between the indigent population that uses the public computers to screaming children, this is no place to be if you need to concentrate. I wouldn't go so far as to recommend banning non-students from the library, but public safety should have more of a hand in controlling those that disrespect our campus library.
One would thing that the areas in Langsdale dedicated as "quiet areas" would only be populated by students that want a place to study that's disturbance free. For the most part, I have had few problems on the third floor, most know and abide by the rules and hopefully do so out of respect for their fellow students. The first floor, however, is a nightmare. Between the indigent population that uses the public computers to screaming children, this is no place to be if you need to concentrate. I wouldn't go so far as to recommend banning non-students from the library, but public safety should have more of a hand in controlling those that disrespect our campus library.