Study Space

These particular carrels were carefully and specifically chosen, as they are purpose-designed to balance focus, privacy, comfort, and light. A selection of coordinating traditional-style desk carrels were also included for those who prefer to study this way. These carrels are extremely common in academic libraries, and are considered tried-and-true study furniture for those students who want to be able to focus.

We do understand and appreciate the desire for aesthetics, which is why we are working on some additional touches that we believe will maintain the turn-of-the-century feel of the building in spite of the “modern” study furniture.

While the carrels we used to have in this space looked like wood, in actuality they were fake wood/particleboard. Those carrels were actually intended to be temporary, but unexpectedly ended up part of the library furniture for far longer than expected for a few different reasons.

We appreciate and understand that not everyone likes the modern look of this furniture. However, please know that these study spaces aren’t done being renovated yet. We are working on some additional touches that we believe will maintain the turn-of-the-century feel of the building in spite of the “modern” study furniture.

We decided against wood carrels for a few important reasons, including maximizing space and minimizing cost. That said, we will be adding a set of traditional-style wood carrels to the collections area. They are currently being built, and will be installed in early 2027.

We are in the process of finalizing the carrel arrangement in the Upper Library spaces. Once that is complete, we will re-open the reservation system. We appreciate your patience.

“Camping out” to save a study space is not permitted. Library staff reserve the right to remove items that have been abandoned for more than 15 minutes. If this is a problem, please let a Library staff member know, either via library@neco.edu, the chat at the lower right of this page, or in person.

“Camping out” to save a study space is not permitted. Library staff reserve the right to remove items that have been abandoned for more than 15 minutes. Please see a library staff member to retrieve your items. If after business hours, please see the College security desk.

Please email us at library@neco.edu, or use the chat at the lower right of this page.

You may have quick bites and sips, but please do NOT have full meals in study spaces. The Community Commons is the best place for this.

Silent Study zones (Beacon Side, Charles Side) are spaces where conversation - even whispering - is not allowed.

Quiet Study zones (Lower Library, Soltes Room, Clausen Room) are spaces where whispered conversation is allowed, but volume should be kept low.  If you're listening to a lecture, then you need to have headphones in.

Collaborative Study zones (Kamens Center, shared meeting rooms) are spaces where conversation is expected. However, we do ask that you use your "inside voices."

For all exams and exam study periods, ALL spaces will become silent study spaces, with the exception of room 2501, which will remain collaborative.

Please email us at library@neco.edu, or use the chat at the lower right of this page.

We were never able to keep Kamens as silent as we wanted it to be due to its location and the type of study furniture that ended up in the space (after the Library’s move out of the garden level for the CTC). Kamens is much more suited to collaborative study. Silent study moved to the Upper Library, where we have installed privacy carrels and where Library staff can better monitor the noise levels.

We are working on updating our reservations system, and appreciate your patience. Eventually, there will be a selection of study carrels on Beacon and Charles Sides that will become reservable.

Our custodians and security personnel work hard to keep the spaces clean and safe for all of us. Please respect their time, and leave when your reservation ends and no later.

Please cancel a forthcoming reservation if you know you won't be able to make it.  The confirmation email you received includes a link to use if you need to cancel.  If you cannot find it, or it's too close to your reservation start time, please email us at library@neco.edu to let us know, and we will cancel it on your behalf.

The confirmation email you received includes a link to use if you need to cancel.  If you cannot find it, or it's too close to your reservation start time, please email us at library@neco.edu to let us know, and we will cancel it on your behalf.

Please email us at library@neco.edu, use the chat at the lower right of this page, or talk to a library staff member in person to let us know, and we will ensure the spot is vacated for you.

Please email us at library@neco.edu, or use the chat at the lower right of this page.