Expectations for Library Usage


The library consists of 3 floors with over 500 study seats in the L-Instructional Building. Each floor has different noise allowances to provide for group collaboration, quiet study and silent study.

Group collaboration

When the testing center is not in use, L-11 has 220 seats for group collaboration. L-13 has group study rooms with white boards and monitors. You can reserve the L-13 rooms for up to two hours at a time. Conversation at a reasonable speaking level is permitted provided that you are mindful of the people around you.

Quiet study

The 12th floor is the main floor of the library. Here you will find the library services desk, your one-stop shop, for checking out materials and for getting assistance. There are also computers, print materials, and study tables. With the exception of the area immediately around the services desk, the 12th floor is designated as quiet study. Conversations should be kept to a minimum.

Silent study

The 13th floor is the designated silent floor with 213 individual carrels and study pods. There should be no conversation and cell phones should be kept on silent. For those who need even more quiet, consider reserving an individual study room. Individual study rooms are also silent. There should be no conversation or Zoom meetings.

Food and drink are allowed on all floors. Food must be limited to individual snacks/lunches. Group study rooms may not be used for parties (such as with pizza or cake). Clean up garbage and report spills to the services desk.

The library is not a lab – lab work is prohibited in the library and rest rooms.

Regardless of floor, any disruptive persons or those who are disrespecting users, staff or space will be asked to leave. When necessary, Public Safety will be called and the appropriate dean notified.

While the library space is primarily used for study, you are encouraged to take advantage of the many other library services including:

  • Online databases, journals and books available 24/7 on the library website. Use the search box to search all BU Libraries holdings!
  • Research help and reference: A variety of tools and resources are available for self-guided research. Librarians are available Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Email refquest@bu.edu for an appointment or visit the service desk on the 12th floor to ask for assistance.
  • Interlibrary loan: The library has cooperative sharing agreements with thousands of libraries around the country. Interlibrary loan, or ILL, is a process by which libraries lend materials to each other. When you need a book, book chapter or journal article, you request an ILL, and our staff make arrangements to have the materials sent here from any one of thousands of libraries. Most requests can be filled electronically.
  • Study break: Coloring pages, a puzzle, Graphic Medicine books and other distractions are available by the service desk.