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(Mar 20/17) Having Group study rooms in the basement of thode effectively defeats the entire purpose of
the basement environment, which is supposed to be a quiet study area with no talking. When
multiple groups get together in the rooms and talk/laugh very loudly it is disruptive to the
outside environment, even though they may not realize it.
Unfortunately, the only solutions I can think of that involves keeping these rooms as group
study rooms is to properly and professionally sound proof the rooms to allow minimal sound to
escape. Or, staff can conduct patrols to keep the noise down, however, this solution would
waste staff time and resources.
Quiet study is the main reason I come to thode instead of other libraries, but its becoming
difficult with the level of noise in the basement. Any assistance in this matter would be
greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time.
Library response: Thanks for sending your comments in.
You are correct, it is not ideal to have Group Study Rooms situated next to Silent Study. We did do some soundproofing in these rooms a couple of summers ago, which helped a bit, but given how the rooms were built we can't do anything more at this point. We have posted signs in these rooms reminding the students using these rooms that they need to keep the noise down.
As you may have noticed, we are starting to do some renovations on the lower floor. When this work is completed there will be an enclosed large Silent Study room on the lower floor. The plan is to build many group study rooms on the 2nd floor. You might consider working in the area outside the Makerspace on the far side of the floor. It is quite quiet there.
Please report any loud groups to
quiet@mcmaster.ca - this email is read by the staff at the service desk on the 1st floor and they will come speak to any groups who are making noise.
Our apologies that there is nothing more immediate we can do at this time, but this is a problem we are very much aware of and are working towards resolving as we move forward. (Mar 21/17)
Answered by: Anne Pottier (Associate University Librarian, Library Services/Facilities/Learning Support/Collections)