Policy Title: Library Study Zones Policy 
Policy Number: LP-021
Type of Policy: Library 
Last Reviewed Date: May 2025 
Next Review Date: July 2028 
Responsible Administrator: Dean of Libraries 
Policy Owner: Library
Contact Name: Sonya Gaither 
Contact Title: Dean of Libraries 
Contact Email: Library@clayton.edu 

Policy Statement:
It is the policy of the Clayton State University Library to provide an environment that is friendly and comfortable for our users but accommodates a variety of learning styles and activities. 

Reason for Policy:
Library policies are created to assist students, faculty/staff, and community users with developing a welcoming and inviting study and research space within the library facility. Each policy explains who, how, and when the library building, resources, etc. can be accessed. In the event library property becomes lost or damaged, or there is a disturbance during operating hours, policies and procedures explain how these matters will be resolved. 

Policy Scope: 
This policy applies to all patrons of the Clayton State University library. 

Policy: 
The library is divided into three study zones that allow for varying noise levels. Library users are expected to be respectful of others by selecting an area that best fits their study needs. 

• Silent Study Zone 
  The designated Silent Room on the upper level is intended to serve as a sanctuary for readers and students who need to concentrate without interruption.
• Quiet Study Zone
  The lower level of the library (except the group study rooms) is intended for those needing a quiet space, but may still need to collaborate with a partner or do not mind intermittent conversation from a service counter or the occasional distraction of beeping tones from the compact shelving.
• Active Learning Zone
  Usually busy and noisy, these zones are intended for instructional and/or collaborative learning experiences. These areas include the upper level (except the Silent Room) of the library and all the group study rooms. 

Procedures: 

Silent Room

• Please exit the room for any needed conversation. 
• Cellphone use is not permitted. Phones and other electronics must be set to silent.
• Headphones or earbuds are required for audio and must not allow sound to leak out into the surrounding area. 

 

Quiet Study 

• Brief conversations are permissible but at a low volume.
• Cellphone texting and brief cellphone conversations at a low volume are permitted. Phones and other electronics must be set to vibrate or silent. 
• Headphones or earbuds are required for audio and must not allow sound to leak out into the surrounding area.  

 

Active Learning 

• Conversations are permissible at reasonable indoor speaking volume. 
• Group work is encouraged. However, please note that group study rooms are not soundproof, so occupants should keep conversations to a reasonable indoor speaking volume. 
• Cellphone texting and talking at a reasonable indoor speaking volume are permitted. 
• Headphones or earbuds are required for audio. 

 

Policy History: 

Revision Date	Author	Description
08/14/2017	Library Leadership	Effective date
11/12/2019	Library Leadership	Reformatted to HTML
04/08/2025	Library Leadership	Reformatted to new template