Library implements three new study zones

The University of Richmond's Boatwright Memorial Library staff spent the summer developing a three-zone study system to control noise levels and assist students in using the library to its full potential.

In a survey conducted at the beginning of the 2010-2011 school year titled "Where We Stand (and Sit)," more than 600 students participated and approximately 200 submitted comments.

The majority of these comments were complaints about the library's noise levels and the lack of study areas for students to choose from. Lucretia McCulley, director of outreach services for Boatwright, said this survey had been the spark that ignited a need for change.

McCulley said the three new zones would be a Collaborative Zone, a Quiet Zone and a Silent Zone. Although there have been similar zones in the past, she said, they have not been strictly enforced like they will be this year.

Certain areas such as the second floor, which has been a talk-friendly section in the past, will now be considered a Quiet Zone where only whispering is allowed.

"We had to do something to reign in the skyrocketing noise," McCulley said. "We want it to be a nice place for people to come study and use the library for how they see fit."

Not only did students complain about noise coming from other students in the survey, but also about the distraction of the library's loud bathrooms. New plumbing that will include quieter appliances and low-flow toilets will be installed in the near future to help solve that issue.

In response to students needing more study areas, the Boatwright staff has reorganized some of the reference areas to create room for more tables and study cubicles. Since more items go digital every year in the library, McCulley said the library was able to provide more room for students.

Travis Smith, the stacks, building and interlibrary loan manager said he wanted students to pay particular attention to the new colorful signs that inform students which zone they are in. Along with the new zones, Smith said the library faculty would be patrolling the different areas more often to help implement the new strategy.

Smith and McCulley both agreed that the new zones would be most effective if students helped regulate one another.

Senior Joe Baddoura said he had doubts about the new study zones because people are "so set in their library ways after three years." If you want true absolute silence while studying, he said, there are places to go outside the library.

Senior TJ Kiely said he fully believed students would not follow the new regulations, especially the Quiet Zone on the second floor.

"Because of the way it is laid out," Kiely said, "it breeds communication, and I think people are so used to having it be a zone where they can talk to their friends and hang out."

The three-zone system began on the first day of classes, and any student who has concerns or complaints should see a faculty member at the front desk. Students can also submit suggestions online or in the UR Heard box next to the first floor printers.

Contact staff writer Markie Martin at markie.martin@richmond.edu