I am aware that there is a suggestion to create the whole of
the UoB library second floor as a silent working area.
I think that is a good idea, if we have different processes
in place to ensure the space allocated is indeed for silent work.
In the short time (approximately 6 months) I have tried
using the small silent working room on the ground floor, I have found:-
- other learners who
habitually ignore the fact that it is a silent working room
- that ALL staff who have
come in to help a learner, talk so loudly there may as well be no 'rule'
- that staff talking loudly
collude with the ignoring of the rule
- I have been obliged again
and again to remind others of the purpose of the room and had at times to
deal with abusive behaviour as a result
I hope you do good research on the idea e.g. visiting other
large silent work areas. For your information, at Bedford College, there
is a large silent working room. It is chaotic. Individuals come
together there to do group work. People listen to music on their
headsets. Staff come in to chat with small groups doing their group work.
Silent study in such an environment is a myth.
I would prefer to have a small silent working area rather
than a large room in which I am positioned as 'police' simply because I
appreciate working silently and I have deliberately sought my preferred work
environment.
Therefore, my plea would be to always have a small silent
study area AND that if you go ahead with the idea of a large silent area that
new processes are implemented so that the space benefits those who want to
study silently rather than those who do not. I also think it important
that individuals do not have the primary responsibility for ensuring other
individual learners adhere to the requirement. I say this, having
experienced the abusive and argumentative responses from others when challenged
to be silent.
I am happy to speak with any colleague on this matter as it
is important to me as I am sure it is to others.
Thank
you for taking the time to write to me.
The
Silent Study space project at Bedford Library is more than a suggestion it is a
building work in progress which will start 12.8.13
A
great deal of planning and preparation has gone into creating this space. Learning
Resources have been aware of student demand for silent study space at Bedford for a while. Learning
Resources have consulted with the SU and Faculty Boards on what the best
provision could be. A whole floor of Silent study space seemed the best solution.
We are therefore delighted to be able to put our plan into action for the
2013/14 academic year
The
2nd floor at Bedford Library will:
be screened
off at the atrium to inhibit noise leakage from other floors
have
electronic monitoring so if noise levels exceed pre set levels staff will
attend to warn customers to maintain the silence or issue "Written
Warnings
there
will be noise patrols as staff go about their duties
Any
complaints from customers on level 2 will be dealt with directly. I would
encourage you to talk to staff on the customer service desk if you encounter
any problems.
There
are no plans to keep the room on the ground floor as a silent space at the
moment as demands for different styles of study space are being considered.
I hope
this puts your mind at rest
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