Approver(s):

Academic Council

Authorizes Release:

Vice President for Information Services

Responsible Area:

Blume Library

Review Cycle:

Annually or as required

Last Review:

August 2025

Related Policies and Additional References:

None

The Blume Library provides a variety of study environments to accommodate different user needs. Each floor has a unique noise policy tailored to its designated purpose, ranging from vibrant group study areas to silent zones for focused individual work. Please review the specific guidelines for each floor to ensure a respectful and productive experience for all library patrons.

1st Floor (The Learning Commons)

The Learning Commons is a vibrant group study area where collaboration and conversation are encouraged. You can speak at a normal volume while respecting others studying nearby; however, loud talking, such as yelling or disruptive behavior, should be avoided. Use headphones when participating in online classes or video calls, listening to music or other audio programs on computers, keeping the volume low to avoid disturbing those around you. Glass Huddle spaces are also available on this floor, offering additional collaborative study options. These spaces provide semi-private areas with some sound buffering, but please remain mindful of sound levels and respectful when using technology.

2nd (Main) Floor

The 2nd Floor is both a collaborative and individual study area that emphasizes respectful communication and focus. This floor is designed for group work, quiet collaboration, and individual study. Although discussion is welcome, library patrons are asked to keep conversations at a low volume and to use “indoor voices” at all times while respecting others studying nearby; Loud talking such as yelling or disruptive behavior should be avoided. Moderate noise is to be expected, the 2nd Floor is not a silent floor; patrons seeking silent areas should use the 3rd Floor. Cell phone calls should be brief and taken in designated areas listed below to minimize disruption.

Key spaces on the 2nd Floor include:

· Quiet Zones: Areas designated for study where low-volume conversations are allowed. Respect for others is paramount.

· Individual Study Areas: Dedicated spaces for those seeking a quieter environment to focus on individual tasks.

· Circulation Area and Computer Workstations: Interactive areas where a moderate level of noise may occur due to the nature of assistance and use.

· Art Gallery: A gathering place for art openings and other events, where moderate noise levels may occur.

· Glass Huddle Spaces: Located on this floor, these provide semi-private areas for collaborative study. These spaces are not soundproof so please continue to be mindful of sound levels and use respectful volumes with technology.

· Conference Rooms A & B: These rooms are available for group study and offer semi-private collaborative spaces with closed doors. These areas are not soundproof so please continue to be mindful of sound levels and use respectful volumes when talking and with using technology.

Library staff will monitor noise levels to ensure a productive environment for all patrons.

3rd Floor (Silent Study Area)

The 3rd Floor is reserved for silent study. Group conversations and loud discussions are not permitted in the designated study areas. Library patrons who wish to collaborate or engage in group activities are encouraged to use the 1st or 2nd Floor. Use headphones when listening to music or other audio programs on computers, keeping the volume low to avoid disturbing those around you. Cell phone conversations should be taken in the stairwells or designated areas listed below to minimize disruptions. The Rattler Success Center (RSC), located on the 3rd Floor, offers advising, tutoring, and hosts classes and learning sessions. A moderate level of noise may be expected in these specific spaces due to their activities.

Key spaces on the 3rd Floor include:

· Study Carrels: Dedicated spaces that are enclosed for private study, primarily for doctoral students. There are a handful that are available for reservation for all students. These areas are not soundproof, so please continue to be mindful of sound levels and use low volumes when using technology.

· Individual Study Desks: Dedicated spaces for those seeking a quieter environment to focus on individual tasks.

Cell Phone Use in the Blume Library

Cell phone conversations are permitted on the 1st Floor Learning Commons or on the Blume Library porches. Please be considerate of others by keeping conversations brief and at a low volume. Turn phones to mute or vibrate when not in use. On the 2nd and 3rd Floors, phone conversations should be taken to stairwells or areas other than quiet zones to minimize disruptions.

What to Do When Noise Is a Problem

Everyone in the library is expected to be considerate of others. If you have concerns about noise, please contact a Blume Library staff member. Staff will address the issue and may ask library patrons to leave the building if they do not comply with the Blume Library Noise Policy.

Alignment with the St. Mary’s University Code of Student Conduct

The Blume Library Noise Policy aligns with the St. Mary’s University Code of Student Conduct, particularly regarding Disruptive Behavior. Library patrons are expected to respect the rights of others to a conducive learning environment and adhere to standards of respectful and civil communication. Behaviors that disrupt the academic and collaborative environment, such as excessive noise or disregard for library policies, will not be tolerated. For more details, refer to the Code of Student Conduct at https://www.stmarytx.edu/policies/student-development/code-of-student-conduct/.und them. Please contact a library staff member if you have concerns about noise. Library staff will ask library users to leave the building if they do not comply with the Noise Policy.

Updated August 2025

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