While Library West provides several flexible spaces designed for collaborative work, research, and activity, the 4th floor is designated as a quiet study space. This area is available for students to use on a first-come, first-served basis, during all hours that the building is open.
- Conversation should be kept to a minimum.
- Refrain from speaking on cell phones.
- If talking is necessary, do it very quietly and away from others. Move to a stairwell or another library space if you need to.
- Mobile devices need to be on non-audible settings. When accessing applications with sound effects, use headphones, and set them to a low volume, inaudible to others.
- Collaborative (group) study is limited to designated Group Study Rooms. These rooms are not sound-proof, and voices/videos/presentations must be kept at a low volume.
To additionally help maintain this area as a sensory-inclusive space:
- Food policy will be strictly enforced. This means no hot, odorous food, or noisy snacks/packaging. Food other than simple snacks can be eaten in the 1st-floor café area or in the colonnade outside of Library West.
- We ask that you be mindful of the use of heavy perfumes and body sprays, and, alternatively, body odor. Study spaces on our other floors are much more open and tend to have better air circulation.
Quiet Policy
Library West seeks to accommodate the needs of students and researchers to conduct both individual and collaborative study. Additionally, our building is a space where classes are taught, meetings are held, students and faculty meet and socialize, and users consult with librarians and specialists about their work.
While Library West is unable to provide an area for completely silent study, we have outlined expectations for the use of the Quiet Study Floor (4th floor), to accommodate this specific need.
What do I do if Library West is too loud?
If people are disturbing or distracting you, you may ask them to be quieter. If you are not comfortable doing this, or if individuals do not comply, please bring this to the attention of library staff at one of our service points.
If you are dissatisfied with the noise level where you are seated or the general noise level in the library overall, please direct your concerns to library staff. If they are not able to immediately address the problem, they will be able to suggest a different area of Library West, or another one of our campus spaces, which may be more suitable for your needs.
More Quiet Spaces in Library West
Although these spaces are not officially labeled as “quiet”, some areas in Library West are quieter than others and are typically better suited for more focused work.
These include: the book shelving areas of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd floors (with the areas on the east and west walls being most quiet); the 2nd floor, southwest corner, near the proctored testing booths; and the Graduate Study Floor (6th floor).
At Other UF Libraries
Architecture & Fine Arts Library (AFA) is generally a quiet space.
Health Science Center Library (HSCL) has individual study rooms available for check out. There are also two energy pods on the 2nd floor of the library, featuring a privacy visor, built in speaker and music, and a gentle wake sequence of programmed lights and vibrations.
Marston Science Library (MSL) has designated silent study spaces on the 4th and 5th floors.