(Sep 23/14) Noise restrictions are not respected in this library too often by a minority of students. However, this minority is enough to spoil the quiet. It is a huge pain to set up computer/book/paper/etc in a good spot, only to have someone else come into the proximity 10 minutes later when they clearly should have stayed downstairs. Too often do people come up with food/chums and begin with raucous laughter... even if they chose to whisper things would be much better. I know levels of respect seem to have declined over the years (I remember Thode having dead silence before in areas), but the noise restrictions must be made more apparent AND enforced somehow. With a new batch every year, they are either ignorant to the rules (unlikely due to the many signs posted) or just flat out selfish. I know its not fun for a librarian to play bad cop, but the message is not received by some who feel it is their right to act however they wish. The idea of a group study space/lounge/cafe on the first floor is great, and these people should be redirected there -- by official staff. I dont see what would be wrong with someone on duty to take a walk around every so often and remind people of the expectations. People would get the message after a while and the problem would improve significantly over time. Thode librarys 2nd floor in particular is a wonderful space: - open space - natural light - an interesting floor layout where you have enough privacy and still feel the energy of fellows around you doing work - comfortable seating/temperature/desk space - good coffee just downstairs Thank you for taking the time to read my comment.
Answered by: Anne Pottier (Associate University Librarian, Library Services/Facilities/Learning Support/Collections)