The DePaul University Library is committed to providing an environment that is conducive to study as well as welcoming to all users. All library staff and users of the library should respect the rights of others and refrain from making excessive noise while using the library.
Library facilities allow for a mix of individual and group work options, as well as for active learning and quiet study. Areas intended for group study, discussion and small group collaboration are designated as such.
- Quiet study areas are available in both the John T. Richardson Library and the Loop Library. Quiet study areas are appropriate for individual reading and study, as well as for use of technology to conduct individual work.
- Group study areas are available in both the John T. Richardson Library and the Loop Library. Group Study Areas are appropriate for class projects and joint use of materials.
- Group Study Rooms are available at both the John T. Richardson Library and the Loop Library and may be reserved for scheduled use. Group Study Rooms are appropriate for class projects, tutoring, and joint use of materials.
Areas of the library designated for one of the uses noted above are identified by signage and noted on the library Web site. In addition to these general designations, please note the following:
- The Richardson Library Information Commons (1st floor, Richardson Library) is designed for collaborative learning, open-plan use of technology, and active engagement among faculty, staff, students, and visitors to the DePaul University Library.
- The Curriculum Materials Collection (2nd floor, Richardson Library) is designed for use by scheduled classes in the School of Education. Notice is posted on scheduled class days so that patrons may move to another area for quiet study options.
- The O’Neill Reading Room (3rd floor, Richardson Library) is designed for individual work and quiet study.
- The Special Collections and Archives Reading Room (3rd floor, Richardson Library) is designed for individual work and collaboration with library staff in the use of rare books and archival materials housed in Special Collections and Archives.
In using library facilities, please keep the following guidelines in mind:
- Quiet study areas are designed for individual work. While it is appropriate for patrons to speak quietly with neighbors in a quiet study area, these are not appropriate places for groups to work on projects requiring ongoing discussion. Headphones should be employed if media is being used or created in a quiet study area and all mobile technology should be set to a “silent” mode. Use of mobile phones or other mobile technology to make or receive calls is discouraged in quiet study areas, and patrons whose conversation or use of technology becomes disruptive to the work of others may be asked to move to another area.
- Group Study Rooms are designed for collaborative work, but may be adjacent to areas of the library designated for quiet study. Patrons using Group Study Rooms are asked to keep their voices to a reasonable level and to limit conversation and noise when entering or exiting a Group Study Room. If a group’s work requires extensive discussion or activity that may disrupt the quiet of an adjacent area of the library, its members may be asked to move to a Group Study Area or another appropriate space (e.g., Richardson Library Information Commons) to continue their work.
- The library is regularly the site for scheduled classes, tours, and public events, including book readings, panel discussions, etc. When a library space is to be used for such an event, notice will be posted so that patrons may move to another area for quiet study options.
Disruptive Behavior
The DePaul University Library’s Patron Conduct Policy identifies “disruptive behavior” not allowed in any library facility. Among these behaviors are the following related to noise:
- arguing, fighting, and/or any activity that creates excessive noise or commotion detrimental to the work of library users or staff;
- abusing, threatening, or intimidating library users or staff through language or action;
- using musical instruments in non-designated areas;
- using audio devices or other electronic devices that create excessive noise or in any other way disrupt the work of library users or staff.
Cooperation
All DePaul University Library patrons are expected to abide by these policies and will be asked to comply if necessary. Library employees are empowered with the responsibility to approach disruptive groups and individuals and to ask them to discontinue the disruptive behavior. If patrons become belligerent or refuse to discontinue disruptive behavior, library staff will take appropriate action, including, if necessary, notifying the Department of Public Safety and/or the Chicago Police Department.