Abstract
Noise in academic libraries has been a consistent concern of library staff and library users. This concern has intensified as libraries have emphasized their role in supporting student learning, including learning that occurs in a busy, collaborative environment. Studies of acceptable library noise levels have traditionally been conducted in areas where quiet was expected. This study adds to the literature by studying ideal noise levels for a busy, collaborative study space: the library learning commons.
Highlights
Noise in academic libraries is a long-standing concern of library staff and users
Miller-Nesbitt and Severson (2016) found that neither actual nor perceived noise levels decreased following their intervention, the installation of electronic wall-mounted noise monitoring displays (NoiseSigns). After reviewing this literature and reflecting on concerns expressed by our users, the authors became interested in designing a study to help us identify optimal noise levels for Zimmerman Library, with a particular focus on our Learning Commons
We were intrigued by a study conducted by Mehta, Zhu, & Cheema (2012), which found that individuals working in environments with a moderate amount of ambient noise, around 70 decibels, performed better on creative tasks than individuals working in a quiet environment
Summary
The concern has intensified as libraries have shifted from a focus on housing physical collections to supporting learning and research. As part of this shift, libraries have increasingly developed collaborative work spaces and learning commons where some level of noise is to be expected. Zimmerman Library is the largest facility and serves as the main library, offering services for undergraduate and graduate students, with a collection focus on the humanities and social sciences. Zimmerman is home to the Indigenous Nations Library Program (INLP), a program designed to support Indigenous students at UNM as well as in surrounding communities, and the Center for Southwest Research and Special Collections.
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