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Study Spaces

B.D. Owens Library is committed to creating study spaces that support diverse/various learning needs. In an effort to support student, faculty, staff, and visitor study needs, B.D. Owens Library has outlined the following guidelines for noise levels in the building. The following expectations are strictly enforced; all library staff (including student employees) are authorized to address noise complaints. Disruptions to the learning environments may result in loss of library space use privileges and, in cases of repeatedly disrupting the learning environment, could result in a student conduct report.

Overview

Collaborative Areas
All areas on the 1st and 3rd floors are designated as collaborative/freely talking areas. The east side of 2nd floor is also considered a collaborative area.  While we encourage everyone to keep noise to a minimum throughout the building, we recognize the demand for collaborative work in the library and have designated these spaces as such.

Silent Area
B.D. Owens Library has reserved the west side of 2nd floor for silent study. This means all conversations, including phone calls, should be taken to a collaborative area; please silence phones and use headphones when listening to audio.

Cellphone Zones
Cellphones maybe be used in any space on the 1st and 3rd floors of B.D. Owens Library. Cellphones are to be turned off or set to silent in the silent area on west 2nd floor. Cellphone use is not permitted in bathrooms.

More information about the recent shift in silent study space is available here.

Floors

First/ground floor   
  • Collections
    • Popular reading, new books, DVD, and local newspaper collections (microfilm)
  • Offices & spaces
    • Novel Grounds, Library Services Desk, International Involvement Center, Writing Center, librarian offices, library administration offices, conference room, large study room
  • Noise/sound level
    • Collaborative area - free conversation and group work
Second floor
  • Offices & Spaces
    • Student Success Center, Learning and Teaching Center
  • Noise/sound level
    • East 2nd: Collaborative area - free conversation and group work
    • West 2nd: Silent study space - conversation is not permitted in this space
Third floor
  • Collections
    • Main academic collection, Mayhew-Hubbard special collection, juvenile, curriculum materials, easy reading (picture books), quartos/folios, and music scores
  • Spaces
    • Small and large study rooms
  • Noise/sound level
    • Collaborative area - free conversation and group work
    •  

Room Descriptions

  • Small study rooms: located on 3rd floor; these rooms are intended for individual or paired (two people) study only. These rooms are equipped with a desk, chair, and wall marker board.
  • Large study rooms: 8 rooms located on 3rd floor, and 1 room located on 1st floor. These rooms are intended for smaller group meetings. This room follows the group study room guidelines. Boxes containing projector remotes and cables to connect to the projector in the rooms are also available for check out at the Library Services Desk. All large study rooms come equipped with a wall mounted marker board as well. Markers and erases are available at the Library Services Desk.
  • Conference Room: located on the 1st floor and is intended for larger group meetings. This room follows the same guidelines as other group study rooms. Boxes containing projector remotes and cables to connect to the projector in the rooms are also available for check out at the Library Services Desk. This room is available to Northwest students after 5:00 pm. A key is required to access this room and can be checked out from the Library Services Desk.

Reservations

Reserve a Room   

Reservation instructions   |    Check-in instructions

Reservations can be scheduled up to 48 hours in advance through the online reservation system.

Loan periods and capacity:

    • Small study rooms = 3 hours; minimum 1 occupant, maximum 2
    • Large study rooms = 3 hours; minimum 2 occupants, maximum 4

Guidelines

  • Study rooms may be requested by Northwest Missouri State University students, faculty and staff.  Projection equipment is available for checkout at the Library Services Desk.
  • Out of consideration for other library users, please keep noise to a minimum.
  • Large and small study rooms are reservable for up to 3 hours and can only be reserved once per day per group.
  • Reservations are forfeited after 15 minutes. Be sure to check-in using the code provided in the reservation confirmation email to avoid others making a reservation in the same space.
  • Please plan to exit the study room at least 5 minutes before the loan period ends. Projection equipment must be returned to the Library Services Desk at the end of the loan period.
  • As you leave, check around you to ensure you’ve gathered all your personal items, returned furnishings to their original arrangement and turn off the lights.
  • Study rooms are to be vacated when the reservation time has ended.
  • The Library is not responsible for any personal materials left in the room. Please note, study room doors cannot be locked so belongings should NOT be left unattended in these spaces.
  • It can be difficult to hear emergency alarms from inside the rooms. It is very important to follow emergency evacuation procedures if alarms sound.
  • For safety reasons, windows should remain uncovered and items should not be attached to the walls, desks, doors, or windows.
  • Please report any necessary repairs to the Library Services Desk Assistant.

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