Our returning students may recall that pre-pandemic, the Library responded to feedback for more quiet study space in the lead-up to and during exams by designating the whole of Floor 5 in The Sir Duncan Rice Library a Silent Study Space. 

During the 2022 exam period, Floor 5 of the Sir Duncan Rice Library will once again operate as a “silent” floor, from Monday 21 November until Friday 16 December 2022.

We ask that users observe the following rules on Floor 5:

• No discussions, conversations or group study
• No phone calls
• Go to the stairwells to make or take phone calls, or hold conversations

We realise that noise travels through the building, so we will also provide free earplugs to anyone who wants them. These will be available for collection from the Welcome Desk, on the Ground Floor of the Library.

In addition to the Floor 5 Silent Study Space, our designated Silent Study rooms on Floors 3, 4, 5 and 6 on the south side of the building will operate as normal. Note that laptops are not allowed in the Silent Study room on Floor 6 (Room 624) – the only Silent Study Room where devices are not allowed.

Elsewhere in the building, we encourage all users to keep noise and conversations to a minimum. Library staff will be readily available throughout the Library to promote an environment conducive to study. Feedback and comments on the Floor 5 Silent Study Space will be very welcome.

If you require space for group discussion and collaborative working, have you considered booking a space across our different Libraries? See our website for further details.

Please note that cleaning and vacuuming will take place through the night on all floors, including Floor 5, and that we are unable to control the noise caused by our hand driers.