Libraries are generally pretty quiet places, but when you add up the hundreds of turning pages, typing keyboards, and printing papers, you get an unmistakable “library hum”. But, sometimes we need absolute silence. Other times, we can’t help but be noisy. We understand this at the Library, so we’ve tried our best to make it as easy as possible for you to be as quiet–or loud–as your research requires. From our quiet study area and study rooms to our group study rooms, the Library has you covered.
Quiet Study Area
The Southern Writer’s Room on the First Floor has been designated as a quiet study area on week-ends and in the afternoons and evenings. This room is home to the collection of the Fellowship of Southern Writers. During the day, you may have a class in this large meeting area, but on Sundays from 2:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., and Monday to Thursday from 5:30 to 11:30 pm., the Southern Writer’s Room offers a nice, quiet place for silent study. Please, out of courtesy to your fellow scholars, turn off your cellphones when in this room and avoid conversations.
Quiet Floor
The Third Floor of the Library is where you’ll find our circulating book collection. It’s also the only floor in the building that is designated as a quiet study area. Find a comfy chair or desk and enjoy the tranquility. The Third Floor is always open. Again, as a courtesy to others, please turn off your electronic devices and avoid unnecessary conversations.
Study Rooms
Also on the Third Floor, you’ll find three different types of study rooms. Rooms 301-306 can be checked out for three hours at a time with a valid MOCS card. Rooms 323-326 are open on a first-come, first-served basis: if the room is empty, go on in. Finally, Rooms 321 and 327 are open by reservation only. Room 321 can be reserved for groups ranging from 8 to 20, and Room 327 can be reserved for any size group. Use the Group Study Request Form to make your reservation. For questions about study rooms, visit the Group Study Room website, or call us at 425-4501.
Granted, absolute silence may not even be physically possible, and group study doesn’t require scrapping and yelling, but whatever noise level you need, we’re trying our best to accommodate you.