Library Spots for Voice & Video Calls – Part 1: Ground Floor & "All Floors"

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We all depend on each other to maintain a good study environment, which means no voice or video calls in open public areas. But, what to do when you want or need to make a call?

The Library has several phone-friendly spots, indoors and outdoors. This is the first of two posts on Library Spots for Voice & Video Calls.

Comfortable & Close to G/F Entry
	The Modelling Space This room is designated for 3-D printing and scanning, but it's also a good place to make a voice or video call. Just go in and shut the door! :) Location: G/F , near the entry (floor plan) Pro: Convenient on entering via G/F, or if you're studying close to there. Chairs and tables available. Electrical outlets available. Con: Inconvenient if you're not nearby. If someone is scanning, no privacy. If a print job is running, there may be ambient noise. Overall: A quick and convenient place for a call
Indoors, Bright and Comfortable
	The Foyer to the G/F Garden Location: Back of G/F near Lift C Pro: Bright & has some views. Has soft seating and some tables. Some electricity available. Con: Lacks privacy. People coming & going from the Garden or Lift C or getting back issues of newspapers. Popular spot with some for study. Overall: Nice place if you can get a seat.
Enjoy the Great Outdoors
	The Library Garden The garden is designed for relaxing, studying, and chatting, or making voice or video calls. Location: Back of G/F, near lift C (floor plan) Pro: Lots of fresh air. Abundant tables and benches. Electricity available. When the weather cooperates, it's lovely. Con: Weather dependent! In the start of fall semester & in the end of the spring semester, it can be too hot & humid. In early spring semester, can be too chilly or foggy. Overall: A great place to voice or video call when it's not too hot or wet.
Traditional But Ugly
	The interior back stairwells of Library, near lift B are a common place people head to. Location: All floors of the Library Pro: Easy to find and get to. Con: Signal is poor and the ambience is rather depressing. No electricity. Lacks privacy. No place to sit except on the stairs (yuck). Overall: OK for a quick call to arrange a better place to talk.
	Lobby of Lift B Location: All floors of the Library Pro: Easy to find and get to. Con: Signal is so-so. Ambience is poor: lots of guys walking to the men's room and people entering and exiting the lift. No electricity. No place to sit. No privacy. Overall: OK for a quick call to arrange a better place to talk.
Traditional and Very Ugly
	Inside the Restrooms Location: All floors of the Library Pro: Easy to find and get to. Con: Signal is so-so. Ambience is poor: lots of people coming in and out to use the toilets. Sounds of water in sink or flushing may disturb the call. No place to sit (except on a toilet). No privacy. Overall: Avoid. There's many nicer places in the Library to have a voice or video call.

In the next post in this series, we will look at places on LG1, LG3, and LG4 to make calls!

Victoria Caplan
Head (Research & Learning Support)
lbcaplan@ust.hk

Edited By

Victoria Caplan, Head (Research & Learning Support), lbcaplan@ust.hk

Published

20 Feb 2024