It goes without saying that every student will at some point spend time in the university library. Whether you study there all of the time or pop in occasionally to borrow a book, use the printer or prepare group work you will at some point require the services of your university library. Even if you do not spend all of your time in between lectures in the library it is still important to understand university library etiquette.
Don’t reserve a desk then leave
Whilst it’s ok to leave for a short while to visit the bathroom, grab a coffee or stretch your legs, it’s not good library etiquette to reserve a desk and then leave it for several hours. If you know you are going to be absent for a while take your stuff with you and let someone else use the desk.
Some university students have set up social media pages naming and shaming students who reserve desks and then leave them unattended.
Avoid noisy or smelly food
Each university library has its own rules about what food and drink you can take in. Some don’t allow any food except small snacks although most will permit you to take in water, juice, tea, coffee etc. Regardless of the rules, it is pretty poor library etiquette to take in food that is noisy or smelly.
Be sure to clear up any litter as well. The library staff are not there to clean up your mess.
Be nice to the library staff
Library staff can offer advice on useful textbooks that could help you with your essay. They will likely have access to the course reading lists but even if you tell them the subject (very briefly) they can always direct you to the right section.
However, don’t ask the library staff to help you write your entire essay or come up with a title.
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Respect the noise levels
A library is a place for students to study, prepare assignments, write essays, take part in group work and other work relating to their course.
Some universities actually have different noise levels allocated to each floor of the library with some permitting talking and others requesting complete silence. If you are planning to work in a group or make phone calls stick to the group study areas. However, if you would prefer to work in silence choose the silent floor.
If you are doing group work consider booking a group study room. That way you can talk and make as much noise as you like without disturbing anyone.
More like this: How to study effectively in the library
Tidy up after yourself
If you check out a book don’t leave it on the table or on a random shelf. Check it back using the appropriate channels or put it back where it came from.
The same also applies to your work area which you should tidy before you leave. This means clearing up your litter, tidying away your books and wiping up any mess.
Failing to clear up after yourself is not only very rude but also creates more work for the library staff.
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