The library seeks to accommodate the various scholarly and academic needs of students, staff, faculty, and community members by providing both quiet study areas and areas where collaboration and conversation are welcome.
The large seating area adjacent to the Library’s front desk is known as the Learning Commons. Conversation and discussion at moderate volume are welcome in this area. Due to the open concept construction of E. Margaret Fulton Communications Centre (EMF), sound travels easily; Library staff may ask library users in the Learning Commons to lower their voices if they are carrying into quiet areas.
The Library manages nine Group Study Rooms in EMF and McCain, which any current MSVU student may book online for up to 3 hours at a time and up to one week in advance. Group Study Rooms are not available for staff, departmental, or classroom use. Group Study Rooms allow for conversation and discussion at moderate volume without disturbing others, though students should be aware that they are not 100% soundproof.
Library staff may recommend other nearby spaces if the library is especially busy or if a group activity is disruptive to other library users. Other near spaces suitable to group conversation and discussion include:
The MacDonald Room, which houses MSVU’s rare books, is a silent study area. When not in use for campus functions, it is available as a study space, with no reservation required. Due to the nature of the rare book collection, food may not be consumed in the MacDonald Room.
The Library’s study carrels (cubicles) are designated quiet areas and well-suited to individual study. Several study carrels are available for rent ($20 key deposit) to MSVU students in any of the following categories:
The entire lower level of the library is a designated quiet area with additional soft lighting. Staff whose offices are in proximity to the first floor quiet area are asked to respect the quiet study space when passing through.