Libraries


In libraries, noise comes from many sources—librarians helping patrons, bustling at the circulation desk, meetings or social functions, group collaboration, children’s areas, and conversations among patrons.

All of these activities run counter to a library’s ability to provide patrons with a comfortable research and study environment (and contribute to the clichéd image of a librarian “shushing” loud visitors.) They make it harder than ever to enforce silence—and they pose a significant challenge to conventional noise control.

A sound masking system, however, can render conversations and noise more difficult to hear. It also reduces the dynamic range (the variation in sound over time) of background noise, making a library simply feel quieter. That means patrons can enjoy a more comfortable, peaceful environment.

 

Libraries

Learn More

To learn more, download our two-page introduction to “Sound Masking for Libraries.”

Libraries Case Study

National Institutes of Health Library
Bethesda, Maryland

Founded in 1887, the National Institutes of Health Library (NIH) is the federal focal point for medical research in the United States—and one of the world’s foremost medical research centers.

A frequently used Training Room is located immediately adjacent to study tables, reference areas and carrels—which meant that whenever a conference or training session was in progress, the noise coming from the room disturbed patrons. Because ambient sound levels in the area were low (36 to 38 dBA), conversations could also be overheard, causing additional distractions—even when the Training Room door was closed.

The LogiSon® Acoustic Network was installed throughout the reference/study area. This raised the ambient sound levels to approximately 46 dBA. Now noises and conversations originating within the Training Room are less obtrusive to visitors.

Partial Client List

  • BUSAN LIBRARY
  • MISSISSAUGA CENTRAL LIBRARY
  • NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH (NIH) LIBRARY
  • NATIONAL LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SYSTEM AUTHORITY (NALIS)
  • TORONTO PUBLIC LIBRARY
  • YORK UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES