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Research looking at barriers to library use has found that perceptions of noise levels are a factor that prevents people from using libraries.
Research examined barriers to library use, focusing on noise level perceptions.
The research was qualitative and conducted by IPSOS.
The research was undertaken for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport in England.
One participant (aged 18-24, North-East) stated, “I think that they’re too quiet, and this is definitely enforced by librarians. It would be better for me if there was more of a social atmosphere where people could chat a bit more.”
Noise levels were seen as a barrier to quiet study.
A depth participant (aged 55) stated, "I think that it’s more for children as in my experience there’s often a bit too much noise for me to make it a welcoming space."
Further research to assess the relative strength of barriers and enablers by demographic group was recommended.
The aim of the recommended research was to identify key focus areas for increasing library engagement.
External resources
Research looking at barriers to library use has found that perceptions of noise levels are a factor that prevents people from using libraries. This qualitative research was undertaken by IPSOS for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport in England, to look at drivers for behaviour change in using libraries. For some, libraries are percieved as too quiet: “I think that they’re too quiet, and this is definitely enforced by librarians. It would be better for me if there was more of a social atmosphere where people could chat a bit more.” (Focus group participant, aged 18-24, North-East). For others, noise levels were seen as a barrier to quiet study “I think that it’s more for children as in my experience there’s often a bit too much noise for me to make it a welcoming space." (Depth participant, aged 55). Further quantitative research to assess the relative strength of barriers and enablers by demographic group was recommended to help identify key focus areas for increasing library engagement.
The Northern Ireland Department for Infrastructure (DfI) have consulted on their round 4 Road Noise Action Plan covering 2023 – 28.
Government response to the Environmental Audit Committee Inquiry into Airport Expansion and Climate and nature targets noise recommendations
Considerations of noise and soundscape are embedded in the Natural Resources Wales State of Natural Resources Report 2025.
Outcome of Welsh Government consultation on changes to permitted development rights including air source heat pumps.
A report commissioned by the Department for Business and Industrial Strategy to look at assessment of noise from onshore wind farms is now published.
The Welsh Government are consulting on changes to permitted development rights including air source heat pumps(ASHP).
The Government are seeking views on proposals for changes to the planning process for national infrastructure projects.
As part of their ongoing enquiry into the impact of airport expansion on climate and nature targets, the Environmental Audit Committee will be taking oral evidence tomorrow - Wednesday May 14th.
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