The Mardigian Library recently conducted an online survey to understand users’ experiences with noise and inappropriate behavior in the building. 307 people, mostly UM-Dearborn students, completed the survey.
Overall, results indicate that the majority of users experience an acceptable level of noise in the library, except on the second floor, which is set up for group study. During the months of September through December, 184,695 people walked through the library’s doors. During that same time period, fewer than one hundred complaints were received about noise or inappropriate behavior.
Sample Survey Results
Survey respondents use the building for a variety of reasons: 86.5% study by themselves, 53% use the library’s research materials, 45.5% study with a group, and 11.2% socialize.
The library’s third and fourth floors are for silent study. 70.6% of respondents find the third floor to be absolutely or mostly silent while 81.1% of respondents find the fourth floor to be absolutely or mostly silent.
The library’s second floor is for group study. 64.7% of respondents reported that the second floor is extremely noisy. 48.4% of respondents can accept a reasonable amount of noise on this floor while 41.5% would prefer a small amount of noise on this floor.
When asked what suggestions they have for the library on how to communicate guidelines about appropriate use of the building, 53% want greater enforcement of existing policies, 24% think the library needs to improve signage, and 24% suggest carding or restricting building access.
Survey Results
Statistics and Survey Summary
Steps to Reduce Noise
During the winter semester, library staff and Public Safety officers have taken the following steps to reduce noise problems in the building:
- The library established a new policy about noise and inappropriate behavior:
“If you or the group you are with is noisy or disruptive, you will be asked to show your ID. If you do not have a UM-Dearborn MCard, you will be required to leave the building immediately. There will be no warnings. We encourage UM-Dearborn students to carry their MCard at all times.”
Since establishing this policy in mid-January, we have experienced a huge decrease in noise and complaints about noise.
- Public Safety contacted the principals at the local high schools to discuss the problems caused by high school students using our library. All the principals agreed to follow up with behavior problems caused by their students and to inform parents about the problem.
- The library established a new policy about the use of audio/video files:
“In all areas of the library, you must use headphones when listening to audio or viewing video files.”
- Library signs are being reviewed and will be updated.
- As a pilot project, the library will experiment with hiring an intern from UM-Dearborn’s Criminal Justice program to assist during peak hours when the regular security guard is not on duty.
- Library Director, Tim Richards, will assemble an ad hoc committee to investigate the feasibility of installing turnstiles in the library to restrict access.
You can help! Report noise or inappropriate behavior:
- Complete the online form
- Send a text to librarynoise@umd.umich.edu
- E-mail librarynoise@umd.umich.edu
- Call 313-593-5559 (except from the third or fourth floors where cell conversations are prohibited)
- In person at the Circulation Desk
