Last year, the William and Anita Newman Library conducted a survey to gather students’ opinions on the noise levels. Two out of three students “said they found the noise in the library to be a problem.” Since then, the library has been actively working to find a solution. The continuous struggle to maintain the volume in the library can be resolved more effectively by accommodating students as the population grows.
This fall, the library implemented a “Noise Meter” that establishes new noise level guidelines. Although there are five distinct groups on the scale ranging from "Quiet Zone” to “Party,” only the two quietest levels are used: “Quiet Zone” and “Quiet Group Zone.” The former refers to spaces that require “absolute silence” and the latter are spaces that allow for “quiet group collaboration and considerate conversation.”
The website also includes resources for students to easily provide feedback on the noise levels and information on where to find the quietest parts of the library. To report noisy students, Baruch College students are encouraged to call Public Safety or remind others of the policy.
The survey results reflect the need of the library to maintain noise levels and be conducive to a studious learning environment. However, many students use the Newman Library as a place to socialize with friends between classes and to work on group projects with peers.
The need to implement new noise level procedures is a symptom of the overcrowding that is occurring as Baruch admits more new students each year while the amount of space remains stagnant. A better solution would be offering new spaces for students to gather and socialize.
One such space that is currently not being used is the campus bookstore, which used to be “a site for students to get coffee in between classes, meet with friends, or simply do homework while eating” before it was closed.
Reopening the bookstore or renovating it in a way that will allow for it to be used as a social site would alleviate the pressures of the Newman Library and students using it. Designating the bookstore as a social space would also bring to Baruch a sense of community in a school where many students are commuters.