A solution to the problem of noisy students in Quiet zones

Submitted on Fri, 2011-10-14 17:29

My experience tells me that no matter which library, time of day, undergraduate or postgraduate student, I continually observe students who cannot understand or are too arrogant to acknowledge 'QUIET STUDY' signage.

In the past at least, in public and school libraries patrons are reprimanded by library staff for breaking the rules. Libraries were once considered sacred quiet spaces. Perhaps we need to bring back these basic rules, or at least reeducate students?

While I understand the impracticalities of library staff policing the issue, I would like to make the suggestion of emailing all students (undergraduate & postgraduate) to explain what is meant 'Quiet study', and why it is critical to respect these sacred quiet spaces.

Comments

Submitted on Mon, 2011-10-17 16:11.

Thank you for your comments and feedback. I can understand your frustration.
Library staff will request library users to abide by the signage when they are working in the area and observe inappropriate behaviour. However, we do not have staff just walking around policing or enforcing the rules.

There is an expectation that library users will be considerate of other users. There is a university expectation that students by graduation will have the confidence and communication skills to ask other users in this case to conform to the expected behaviour of that floor.

I understand that many students feel uncomfortable in asking others to take their mobile and/or conversation outside or to another floor.

Unfortunately we are unable to bulk email and I suspect that given their behaviour, the offenders would take no notice.

Bill Beach,
Associate Director,
Teaching & Learning Service (TALS) at St Lucia
The University of Queensland Library