Question:

Library Improvement Idea: Privacy Screens

Details:

Library Improvement Idea: Privacy Screens
I've noticed that many students use the wheeled white boards as a sort of privacy screen in the study rooms. Instead of writing on them, they just position them in front of the room's glass walls to create a more private space. (Both to prevent distractions from outside the room and to provide more personal privacy.) So an idea for a future improvement would be to provide privacy screens in the study rooms. Something that can be pulled down from the ceiling, or drawn out from the wall, or even just big boards that can be wheeled around like the white boards. They don't need to cover the entire glass walls if there are safety concerns; just enough to provide additional privacy for those who want it. A wheeled option could also be useful for other study areas aside from the rooms, to create a more private space next to chairs, tables, etc. I think such privacy screens would be very useful and highly utilized! It would also free up the wheeled white boards for their intended purpose.

Answer:

Thanks for this suggestion. The library has discussed a longer-term goal of adding window frosting to additional study rooms in order to give users more privacy and assist with limiting distractions. Based on available future funds and priorities for the building, we will definitely keep this item on our wish list. Additionally, if you ever need a wheeled whiteboard but cannot locate one please let library staff know and we can assist. We also feel that generally speaking the use of the mobile whiteboards for privacy is an appropriate use that makes sense.