Tables and chairs have been removed from the group study area on the main floor.
A total of 22 tables and 88 chairs were removed.
All 22 tables have been sent to the SLC (with their accompanying 88 chairs) to accommodate studying there.
Half of the tables are located in the SLC's bookable study rooms that are bookable 7:00 am to 3:00 am every day of the year. The remaining half are situated on the second floor of the SLC above Brubakers (available 24 hours a day, every day of the year), as well as in third floor Study/Reading room (available 24 hours a day, except between terms when the area is closed).
No. There are no plans to fill this space with anything else at present.
Tables were removed to help make the DC Library a quieter study environment for students by redistributing group study to other areas of the Library and campus.
The decision to break up the main floor’s group study area was informed by student and staff feedback provided last semester during a “DC Exam Study Zone” pilot where the DC Library was transformed into a quiet study zone for the exam period.
Feedback provided during this pilot reflected a resounding need for reduced noise levels in DC, with specific requests that something be done about the main floor study tables area.
Feedback submitted:
Although staff received both positive and negative feedback on the pilot, the majority of comments were in favour of the change and reduced noise levels in DC
- 939 paper comment cards
- 391 comments on the Library's anonymous online forum
No.
Yes. An ongoing occupancy survey of the usage of study space in the DC library shows that tables on the lower floor are not being fully used.
If students don't wish to study on the lower level, they can use other group study spaces on campus.
No. There are no plans to remove additional tables in the near future.
The changes you see now are the first of many aimed to improve the DC Library. Future changes will better accommodate students with a range of study styles. We plan to add more group study areas, increase silent study, and bring more natural lighting through new windows on the ring road side of DC.
The floor plan below illustrates a few of the changes you can expect. (Click on floor plan for larger view.)
Group study spaces are available on the lower level of the DC Library, which has been equipped with additional power outlets and improved wireless access.
For other group study options in the Library and across campus, see this list of group study spaces on campus.
You can provide feedback anonymously using our online feedback form. Anonymous feedback will be posted to this online forum as it is received.
Quiet conversation means using low voices which do not disturb other students studying around you.
Placing and receiving cell phone calls is disruptive to students studying around you. Please wait to place and receive calls until you are outside the Library. Talking on your cell phone while walking out of the Library is not acceptable.
Hot food (like pizza, french fries, etc.) tends to be more aromatic, messier, and therefore, more disruptive to other individuals studying in DC. Exceptions will not be made for food that has "cooled down" or is being saved as leftovers.
Let your Deans and department chairs know that study spaces on campus are important to you! Get together with friends and contact your student societies to help you lobby.
New spaces in Accountancy and Optometry are fine examples where the need for student study space has been recognized and integrated into building additions and renovations.
Library staff realize that cell phone usage is problem and we are actively exploring different options to improve the situation.
In the meantime, please report any disruptive cell phone usage to staff.
University of Waterloo Library
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Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1
519 888 4883
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