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 floor are designated as collaborative/freely talking areas. Our 2nd floor spaces are also considered collaborative areas with some quieter space often found one the west side of 2nd. 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 our third floor for silent study. This means all conversations, including phone calls, should be taken to the 1st or 2nd floors. All of our individual study rooms are also silent study spaces since they are not sound proof; and individual occupancy is strictly enforced. Quiet conversation/collaboration is allowed in the group study rooms located on 3rd floor.
Cellphone Zones
Cellphones maybe be used in any space on the 1st and 2nd floors of B.D. Owens Library. Cellphones are to be turned off or set to silent when using open spaces or individual study rooms on the 3rd floor. Cellphone use is not permitted in 3rd floor bathrooms.
Floors
- Collections
- Popular reading, new books, DVD, and local newspaper collections
- Offices & spaces
- Novel Grounds, Library Services Desk, International Involvement Center, librarian offices, library administration offices, conference room, small group study rooms
- Noise/sound level
- Collaborative area - free conversation and group work
- Offices & Spaces
- Student Success Center, Writing Center, Learning and Teaching Center
- Noise/sound level
- Collaborative area - free conversation and group work
- Collections
- Main collection, Mayhew-Hubbard special collection, juvenile, curriculum materials, easy reading, quartos/folios
- Spaces
- Small group study rooms, individual study rooms
- Noise/sound level
- Silent study space - conversation is not permitted on the floor or in individual study rooms. Quiet conversation in group study rooms
Room Descriptions
- Individual study rooms: located on 3rd floor; these rooms are intended for individual study, only. These rooms are equipped with a desk, chair, and wall marker board.
- Group study rooms: 8 rooms located on 3rd floor, and 3 rooms 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 group rooms come equipped with a wall mounted marker board as well.
- 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.
*First floor study rooms require checking out a key at the Library Services desk
Reservations
Reservation instructions | Check-in instructions
Reservations can be scheduled up to 48 hours in advance through the online reservation system.
Loan periods and capacity:
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- Individual study rooms = 3 hours; minimum 1 occupant, maximum 1
- Group 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.
- Group Rooms are reservable for up to 3 hours and can only be reserved once per day per group.
- Individual rooms are reservable for up to 3 hours
- 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 turned 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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