[Publib] Re: Quiet Study Room Policies

[Andy Barnett]

Rather than having a quiet study room or area, we have zoned the 
library. The Library Commons has a strictly enforced but permissive set 
of rules (food allowed, group use of computers, conversation 
encouraged), while the Adult Room has a more restrictive set of rules. 
In brief, "Library users may speak at normal levels on the lower level, 
but are urged to speak softly in upper level reading rooms."  Computer 
use in the Commons is often by groups (yes of teens/tweens playing 
games), while the Adult Room Tech Zone requires users to respect other's 
need for space, quiet and privacy.

The two areas look very different 
(http://www.mcmillanlibrary.org/library/tour.html), with the Adult Room 
looking like a traditional library (with lots of PCs) and the Commons 
looking like a community center. We often guide patrons to the 
appropriate area - too loud for the Adult Room or looking for more 
space, quiet and privacy than the Commons affords.


The Children's Room is something else.