"No Shhh! Zone"

"No Shhh! Zone"

== Summary ==
The “No Shhh! Zone" is an interactive group and individual study area in the [[Harold B. Lee Library]] at [[Brigham Young University]] in [[Provo]], [[Utah]]. Students use this area as a place to [[study]] and work in groups where they can discuss openly with each other and not worry about the low [[noise level]] that a [[library]] usually expects. The purpose of this study space is to help to enhance the learning opportunities of the [[students]] on campus, and to provide a place for groups to study aloud. This section of the HBLL also provides students with research support, access to both electronic and printed resources, and numerous other services. The “No Shhh! Zone” is part of the[[ Information Commons]] and is home to 26 collaboration stations, 2 creative learning rooms, 50 individual workstations, 2 [[macromedia]] stations, and 4 high-end [[multimedia]] stations.

== History ==
At the beginning of the 2002-2003 school year, a new University Librarian was appointed to work in the Harold B. Lee Library. The new librarian turned to the students for suggestions of improvements in the HBLL and they voiced a need for an area in the library that allows for group discussion, while providing other resources. The library staff took the suggestion to heart and began investigation for a way that students could [[collaborate]] and use [[technology]] to assist in the learning process. After writing up a [[proposal]] and presenting it to the Library’s Administrative Council, the project was approved; it was decided to be implemented over the next three to five years in phases. On February 24, 2004 the “No Shhh! Zone” opened and the students of Brigham Young University have been using it to benefit their education ever since.

==Rules==
The [[rules]] of the “No Shhh! Zone” follow the basic [[guidelines]] of the other buildings on Brigham Young University’s [[campus]], but the specifics are established by the society of students who work and study in this area. The basic rules and guidelines are: *No [[food]] or [[drink]], unless it is [[water]] in a capped container.*Noise must be kept within a reasonable level, not to disturb other groups. *Group study rooms are reserved online at the HBLL’s website.

==See Also==
*[http://www.byu.edu/webapp/home/index.jsp Brigham Young University Officail Website]
*[http://www.lib.byu.edu/ Harold B. Lee Library Homepage]

==References==
{{reflist}}
Interview with Michael Whitchurch (Library employee and author of “Information commons at Brigham Young University: past, present, and future”)
Whitchurch, Michael J., C. Jeffrey Belliston, and William Baer. “Information commons at Brigham Young University: past, present, and future.” Reference Services Review 34 (2006): 261-278.