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Our Learning Zones can be found:

• On Level 0 of the Library. The whole of level 0 is a Learning Zone
• On Level 1 of the Library. The whole of level 1 is a Learning Zone
• On The Bridge, which is an area on Level 2 between the Library and the entrance to Student Support

Learning Zones are areas where our noise policy is most relaxed. However, it is still a place of study, so you should not make noise that will disturb others using the space. Please only talk as loudly as necessary, and avoid playing media out loud from your phone, laptop or other devices.

You can also use a Learning Zone if you want to take part in an online meeting or class, with the participants' permission, as long as you use headphones. When speaking in an online meeting, please be aware of how loud you are talking, so as not to disturb others around you.

You may take phone calls on this level, but please be considerate to others around you. Do not take calls on loudspeaker and always wear headphones. Ask a member of library staff if you need to borrow headphones.

Learning Zones are perfect for:

• group work, discussing and planning projects and assignments
• working socially with your friends and sharing ideas and learning
• working on your own if you prefer to work in an environment where there is a buzz of background activity.

Our Quiet Zones can be found:

• On Level 2 of the Library, up to the Local History collection (excluding The Bridge).

Quiet Zones have a stricter noise policy than Learning Zones. In a Quiet Zone you will be expected to keep the noise to a minimum. This does not mean you cannot talk, but any conversations should be kept to a low level.

You must use headphones if you want to listen to media from your phone, laptop or other devices.

You must not talk on your phone or take part in online meetings or classes in Quiet Zones if you will be expected to speak.

As others working in a Quiet Zone will be expecting a calmer environment, Library staff will be more active in monitoring the noise levels in Quiet Zones. Please don't be offended if you are asked to keep it down: we realise it is sometimes difficult to gauge what is or isn't likely to disturb others. We may advise you to move to a Learning Zone (or a Silent Zone) if we think that this is more appropriate for you.

Quiet Zones are perfect for:

• working in small groups where only minimal discussion is needed
• working individually or alongside your friends when you like a calm, studious environment

Our Silent Zones can be found:

• On Level 2 of the Library, from the Local History section to the far end of the Library that is the furthest from the main staircase
• In room CH207 (the Library Training Room) when it is not in use for workshops or staff meetings

Silent Zones are for silent study only. You must not talk when working in a Silent Zone, including if you are just browsing the shelves. If you wish to use media on your phone, laptop or other device, you must use headphones and ensure any extra noise from your headphones does not disturb others. Please do not eat noisy foods or rustle noisy packaging in Silent Zones.

Library Staff will be very active in monitoring the noise in Silent Zones. Please respect others' wish to work in silence and move to a Quiet Zone or a Learning Zone if you need to talk.

Silent Zones are perfect for:

• working individually when you need or prefer silence for concentration and productivity.