Wireless technology and library acoustics
Benjamin E. Markham · The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America · 2006
The modern library cannot function without modern technology. Printers, copiers, wireless computers, and espresso machines all contribute to the soundscape of the typical municipal library (and many academic libraries, too). While some of these noise sources are stationary and can be isolated acoustically, wireless computing has transformed the acoustic experience for the typical library patron. Study carrels and desks used to define the boundaries of study and work areas in libraries, and architects could design spaces accordingly. With wireless technology, every space is a study space. This paper will discuss the implications of wireless technology on library acoustics. Measurement results at a variety of case study libraries will be presented.