Answering questions at Boston College O’Neill Library
If you’re hearing voices that don’t exist, and it is disturbing you, I suggest you check in with Counseling Services: bit.ly/BC-counseling. If you’re hearing actual voices and it’s disturbing you, try studying on Level Five – our quiet floor.
I’m so sorry your education is being disrupted! The project target was that major noise would be finished before the start of classes. Alas! The deadline was missed. The major noise should abate soon. Until then, I recommend sitting at the front of the room and asking if the professor can provide notes.
If you must work in a noisy environment, the O’Neill circulation desk has earplugs; you might also be able to mask sound with music via earbuds or noise-cancelling headphones, which are expensive but really work. People have different needs for work environments, and BC Libraries attempts to cater to as many needs as it can. There are certain areas that are set aside for quiet work such as O’Neill 4th & 5th floors. Take a look at these descriptions: bit.ly/BC-oneill-spaces. Other libraries also have quiet spaces, such as Gargan Hall in Bapst, & many spaces in the Theology & Ministry Library.
I’m sorry you’re encountering this problem; it must be frustrating to seek quiet spaces, and find that those spaces are not, in fact, quiet. I will let my assistants know. Thanks for making some noise about the noise!
I understand your frustration! We are working on developing more effective ways of conveying and enforcing building policies. Very soon you will see new signage that will hopefully encourage users to comply with policies intended to maintain a comfortable and respectful library environment.
