Sensory Library Design: Responding to a Pandemic's Impact on Built Environments

What We Hear
Acoustics are a key consideration for library
buildings. Each user has a different expectation
for what is “proper” for a library, ranging along a
spectrum from place for solitary quiet study and
reflection to collaborative work and hands-on
learning, to listening to a great speaker or
musician. All have different acoustic requirements.
The pandemic may exacerbate these
expectations around acoustics. Those on the
front lines and looking for respite at the library
between shifts may be even more sensitive to
noise and activity. Conversely, those who have
grown tired of a solitary existence sheltered in
place for weeks on end may be pining for (safe)
proximity to others.
Many libraries will have temperature checks and
questionnaires to screen visitors and prevent
someone who is obviously ill from entering the
premises. However, even the healthy occasionally
cough or sneeze, and these sounds will
cause anxiety to many customers (and staff).
Spacing furnishings to allow physical distancing
is necessary and will provide a measure
of comfort and safety. Privacy dividers around
study and lounge seating, or the use of movable
fixtures such as markerboards, can offer privacy,
separation, and protection from direct contact
with others (and their coughs). Surfaces should
be cleaned frequently. White noise can help
mask some noises. Even more effective than
mechanical white noise, natural sounds have
a restorative effect on our psyche. According
to a Scientific Reports study (Gould van Praag,
Garfinkel, Sparasci, Mees, Philippides, Ware,
Ottaviani, and Critchley 2017), sounds from
nature physically alter the connections in our
brains, reducing our body’s natural fight-orflight
instinct. The individuals in the study with
the highest recorded stress levels registered a
lowered heart rate while listening.
Implement Right Now
▪ Install privacy dividers between staff and
customer workspaces, which can double as
sneeze guards.
▪ Implement a touchless screening system at
entry (e.g., touchless temperature scans and
survey).
▪ Make cleaning visible and clean high-touch
surfaces at least every two hours.
Implement Over Time
▪ Add a white noise/sound masking system to
staff workrooms and public seating areas.
▪ Add sound absorptive surfaces in trouble zones.
The removal of soft furniture for distancing
and bias for cleanable surfaces may produce
adverse effects on acoustics.
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