Students may notice that their favourite library is a little cleaner and quieter this fall.
We’ve listened to feedback from our 2008-09 survey, in which students said:
Many students treat the entire library as a group work/social area. Perhaps some defined ‘group work’ spaces would help this.”
“People consuming hot foods that have odour is really distracting, don’t we have a no eating policy?”
“My big issue is the noise in the library…I go to the library to get away from the noise at my apartment.”
In response, this September Western Libraries introduced Learning and Food Zones, with bright new signs displayed throughout the libraries.
Learning Zones are depicted with a traffic light image — red for silent study, yellow for quiet study, and green for the conversation-friendly zones. Food Zones are illustrated with icons of a water bottle and an apple, showing which areas are designated eating zones, food-free zones, or food- and beverage-free zones.
Catherine Wilkins, Assistant University Librarian (D.B. Weldon Library), has noticed a difference: “Students are conversational, quiet and silent for the most part as intended by the marketing campaign.”
She describes the feedback from students as positive.
As we get closer to exams, we’re asking students to pay attention to their noise levels and food or drink use, and to maintain a respectful, comfortable study space for everyone.
More information about the Learning and Food Zones can be found on signs and brochures throughout the libraries, or on our website at https://www.lib.uwo.ca.