In response to patron feedback about concerning levels of noise and conversation in Library spaces, the Library is instituting a new sound level system. We ask that all visitors to the Library follow these guidelines to ensure a welcoming and inclusive experience for all members of our community.
See below for sound level descriptions and locations, followed by information about decibel levels and the Brown Code of Conduct and ways to report concerning behavior.
Sound Levels
Absolute Quiet: 0 – 25 decibels
This space is intended for those who need complete quiet for deep, focused work or restorative rest. There should be no conversation with as little noise generated by belongings/devices (on silent) as possible. Covered beverages are allowed*; no food please.
Locations
- Rockefeller Library
- Absolute Quiet Rooms on Level A
- John Hay Library
- Willis Reading Room, 1st floor
- *Gildor Family Special Collections Reading Room (NO FOOD OR BEVERAGES), 1st floor
- Sciences Library
- Absolute Quiet Room on Level 4
- Rooms A04, A6, A8, A9 on Level A
Considerate: 26 – 40 decibels
This is a quiet space best suited for individual or small group study. Hushed, brief conversation is OK. Silence phones, tablets, laptops, noisy headphones, etc. Covered drinks and quick snacks are allowed.*
Locations
- Rockefeller Library
- Sorensen Family Reading Room on Level 1
- Finn Reading Room on Level 1
- Sidney E. Frank Digital Studio on Level 1
- Racial Justice Resource Center on Level 2
- Gardner Room (East Asian Collections) on Level 3
- Study tables on Level 4
- Stacks
- Stairwells and hallways
- John Hay Library
- *Harriette Hemmasi Exhibition Gallery (NO FOOD OR BEVERAGES), 1st floor
- Rooms 303 and 321, 3rd floor
- Stairwells and hallways
- Sciences Library
- Rooms A01, A01A, A01B, A18, A21, A24 on Level A
- Mezzanine Level
- Stacks
- Stairwells and hallways
- Orwig Music Library
- Reading rooms
- Stacks
- Stairwells and hallways
Conversational: 41 – 60 decibels
This space is intended for teaching, group work, and Library events. Please maintain conversation at a moderate noise level, similar to a coffee shop. Enjoy covered drinks and quick snacks. Please visit the lobby for meals and noisy or fragrant snacks. Events and classes may include catering only with pre-authorization by Library administration and a Facilities Management custodial clean. Email library@brown.edu for more information about hosting events at the Library.
Locations
- Rockefeller Library
- Circulation area
- Lobby and café area
- Closed group study spaces
- Classrooms (as directed by instructor)
- Spaces hosting events or while the building is closed
- John Hay Library
- Research Services area
- Student lounge
- Sciences Library
- Lobby
- Circulation area on Level A
- Rooms A17, A17A, A22, A23, A25, A26, A27, A28, A29 (reservable study rooms) on Level A
- Map Collection area on Level 11
- Rooms 1218, 1220, 1221 on Level 12
Decibel Levels
You may have seen decibel level guides displayed in Friedman Study Center at the Sciences Library, which are meant to denote the level of acceptable noise in each zone, moving from conversational around the reader services desk, to absolute quiet in the back of the room.
Examples of sounds with corresponding decibel levels:
- 20 rustling leaves
- 30 whispering
- 40 quiet office, hum of a computer, light rain
- 50 light traffic, a quiet office
- 60 hum of an air conditioner or refrigerator, normal conversation, moderate rain
- 70 a noisy restaurant (too loud for any library space)
- 80 alarm clock (beginning of hearing damage range)
Code of Conduct and Reporting Concerns
If you have concerns about behavior in violation of the Student Code of Conduct, please email student-conduct@brown.edu. Violations of the University Code of Conduct can be reported through the Anonymous Reporting Hotline by phone at 877-318-9184 or online.
For safety concerns, contact DPS immediately at 4111 (campus phone) or 401-863-4111 or 911. Calls to 911 will be directed to the DPS call center.