88 libraries participated in the study, largely from United States but also from Canada. The sample comprises 45 public libraries and 43 academic libraries. The report gives detailed data on how libraries are soundproofing (or not) group study areas, infocommons, open floor space and other areas of the library. It examines both noise control and soundproofing strategies, including the use of sound absorption materials such as acoustic foam, tiles, and much more.
It looks at the designation of quiet zones and attempts to use library stacks, new types of furniture and furniture placement as sound barriers or absorbers. The study helps its readers to answer questions such as: what are libraries doing to control noise? What special efforts have been take to seal windows or quiet air conditioning and heating units? What has been the impact of mezzanines and open air atriums on sound control? How much do libraries spend on sound control equipment, devices and consultants? How are libraries planning to control noise as libraries are used more often for group study and as general meeting places? How is sound control factored in (or not) in new library construction? What would libraries do differently if they had their sound control regimes to do over again? How do they control sound from noisy areas? What are their sound control plans for the future?
Just a few of this 86-page report’s many findings are that:
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18% of academic libraries consider noise to be a big problem while only 6% users of public libraries consider it to be such a significant issue.
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Among the bigger libraries, that is, those that occupy more than one building, 13% plan to install some form of window treatment soundproofing in the next two years.
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29% public libraries in the sample use acoustic ceiling tiles and enclosures while only 13% of academic libraries use them.