Noise in Libraries Ideas Workshop feedback
Our interactive workshop asked you to think about how you feel about noise in the library.
Here's what we found out
1. We want silent and noisier study spaces
Students want silent spaces to study - but, they also want spaces to work together and talk to their friends and classmates
What we can do
We have different 'noise zones' - acceptable noise levels - on each floor of the Hugh Owen Library
- Levels D and E are for quiet study, including in group rooms
- The Iris de Freitas Room is for collaborative working
- Level F is for silent study - no talking!
You said we need to make these zones and the rules clearer
2. We like communication
Students said they'd like to be reminded of the library rules by library staff, by physical signage, by emails, on computer desktop backgrounds, by maps and by digital signage
Thanks to your ideas we have some suggestions of things we can trial in the Hugh Owen Library to make things clearer. Unfortunately the robo-security guard removing noisy people is too risky. And the seagulls are refusing to attend the mandatory training, so they won't be able to patrol the spaces. As it turns out, we're not actually able to take legal action against noisy people, but the 'Library's Noisiest Person' tabard has potential!
3. We like the library - and studying!
In our workshop activities students described the library as a 'safe', 'calm', 'relaxed' place of 'knowledge' and 'help'. We're very happy with that! Students love the views from the Iris de Freitas Room and its 'bustling' atmosphere and you actually enjoy your studies. Who knew!
Nobody wants to be told off for breaking rules - and library staff do not want to tell you off. We love seeing you using the library.Our space and resources are limited, but librarians and students are innovative. We can work together to make the library better for everyone.
Thank you for your feedback
If you've got any feedback or suggestions, you can share them with us anytime on is-feedback@aber.ac.uk or through our online form here.