Quiet focus versus talking – Finding your ideal study space at the Park Library

• “We need a silent zone.”
• “Add more designated quiet areas.”
• “Small/quiet discussions should be allowed.”
• “Add more study rooms for groups and individuals.”
• “Have staff better monitor noise, especially in the individual study rooms.”  

Finding an ideal study space depends upon your preferences and needs. Although your preferences often stay the same, your needs might vary. Consider the following factors when deciding where to study:  

• Do you prefer to study alone? 
• Do you need a space where a group can talk?
• What noise level do you prefer?
• What furniture suits your needs?
• What type of light do you prefer?    

We encourage students to try out a variety of study spaces in the Park Library until you find the ones that work best for you. If you want advice about finding a space that meets your needs, ask library personnel at the first floor Information Desk or the second floor Library Services Desk.   

Quiet focus spaces for individual study

Although we cannot promise complete silence at the Park Library, we do provide spaces on the 1st and 3rd floors that have quiet/hushed environments and furnishings that help you focus. These spaces are smaller and tucked away from noisier, busier spaces. The volume in these spaces is self-monitored.   

Quiet focus individual study spaces include:  

• 1st Floor Quiet Study Area. This space is available during regular building hours and opens early on Saturday and Sunday mornings.  
• Baber Room, 1st floor art gallery. 
• Mary Dow Reading Room, 3rd floor. Unique features include individual study pods and 3-sided cubicles with height adjustable tables.  
• Individual study rooms, 3rd floor. You can reserve an individual study room in advance or on the spot.   

Group study spaces designed for talking out loud

Group study rooms are available on all four floors. Talking is permitted in these rooms and the furnishings support group work. Please note that these rooms are not soundproof. Expect to hear a soft buzz or hum of voices to moderate levels of talking when using group study rooms. You can reserve a group study room in advance or on the spot.   

Other group study spaces include:  

• The Copeland Suite, located on the south end of the 2nd floor. Unique features include three-sided study pods, digital monitors, markerboards, and lounge furniture. Some furniture can be moved, and power outlets are available throughout the space.  
• 3 East, located on the east side of the 3rd floor, along the long-curved wall of windows overlooking the parking lot. Unique features include three-sided study pods, markerboards, and lounge furniture. Some furniture can be moved, and power outlets are available throughout the space.  
• The Adobe Digital Lounge on the 2nd floor can be used by groups or individuals. This space was designed for ideation and creation. Unique features include a variety of study furnishings, digital monitors, and a sound booth. 
• The Family Study Room, located in room 118 inside the 1st Floor Quiet Study Area, was created for parents and caregivers who bring their children with them while using the library. Unique features include a child-sized table and chairs, toys, an adult height table and chairs, a height adjustable desk and computer, and a breastfeeding cubicle.   

Study spaces that have a variable level of noise

The most abundant study spaces in the Park Library are the large, open study spaces. The noise level in these general library seating areas varies from a soft buzz or hum of voices to moderate levels of talking. These spaces include a mix of wood tables and chairs and lounge furniture. The volume in these study spaces is self-monitored.   

• If you can see the atrium, you are not in a quiet area. Noise travels up and radiates out in the atrium area, regardless of which floor you are on. 
• Noises may also be louder if you are seated near the elevators, stairs, service areas, or group study rooms. 
• The noise level may be quieter on the east side of the 2nd or 4th floors, along the long-curved wall of windows overlooking the parking lot. Please note that talking is permitted in these areas.    
• 1 North, the 24/7 study space located by the north entrance, includes a mix of individual study pods and group tables. This space has active notice control (ANC), a type of sound mitigation technology, to help reduce noise.   

Your feedback makes a difference

We’ve used the results of past student library surveys to remodel sections of the Park Library, including the Copeland Suite, 3 East, the Mary Dow Reading Room, and 1 North. Let us know which study spaces you’d like us to focus on next!