A comfortable study environment is important. However, as we approach the end of the semester and every library gets busier, it is pretty much inevitable that our usual favorite library study spots won’t be as available as they were earlier this school year. Here is a breakdown of all the SciLi has to offer and some new study spots to explore within its 15 floors because you should never have to go without a reliable lock in location this finals season.
Floor A
The Basement Study Space is one of the most versatile locations in the SciLi. It is a relatively quiet area with plenty of comfortable seating and separated desk areas in designated zones ranging from 50 to 0 decibel zones. There’s also collaborative study rooms available to book for your group projects!
Bonus: This is the location of the phone charging stations and printers on campus, and the nicest bathrooms in the SciLi are located near the 25 decibels section of this floor.
Lobby
If you’re ever in need of sustenance, the vending machines in the lobby have you covered. You will never have a lack of options because there are vending machines for ice cream, drinks, coffee, and snacks. With lots of round tables and comfortable seating, the lobby is a great place to meet up with friends and chat as you get some work done.
Floor 2
The mezzanine mostly consists of long tables with some comfortable seating available as well, so this is a great spot to study with friends or alone. This is also the location of many TA office hours, and there are whiteboards available for studying!
Floor 4
This is the Absolute Quiet Floor. There are study rooms available for use and whiteboard cubicles at your disposal. With lots of table style seating and some comfy chairs, this bright study space is perfect to help you stay awake during a late night.
Floor 5
This is the home to the UFli lounge, aka the First-Generation College and Low-Income Student Center, and the Sheridan Center for Teaching and Learning, Writing and English Language Support.
Floors 12 & 13
The perimeter desks of the Library Stacks floors are the perfect spot for a solo lock in sesh. But, if you’re planning to work alongside friends, my personal favorite spots are the big tables by the large windows that provide a gorgeous view of College Hill during all of the SciLi’s Hours. If you’re looking for a study break, the 12th floor also has a meditation room that’s available to all members of the Brown Community!
A few of the Floors of the SciLi aren’t available at all times of day or without swipe access, but here’s a short list of the resources offered there:
Floor 3 & 7
These are home to The Sheridan Center for Teaching and Learning and Academic Tutoring offices. Students often come here for writing help, academic coaching, and pedagogy resources. If you have a scheduled appointment or workshop, this is where you’ll go.
Floor 6
This floor hosts the Language Resource Center and Center for Language Studies, featuring language learning software, private practice rooms, and tech for conversation exercises. A quiet space tailored toward language learners.
Floor 8
The Humanity Centered Robotics Initiative lives on this floor. Researchers here focus on robotics designed to support people and communities. It’s a super cool space, but not open for everyday studying unless you’re affiliated with the initiative.
Floor 9
This floor includes BUSSEL (the Brown University Social Science Experimental Laboratory) which conducts behavioral and economic research studies. Swipe access is required and entry is typically limited to participants and researchers.
Floor 10 & 11
More Library Stacks
These upper Library Stacks floors hold additional collections and workspace, plus the Library Geospatial Data Center on Floor 10, which supports mapping and spatial research projects. They are relatively quiet spaces, but they may be locked depending on the time of day, so plan ahead!
Floor 14
Office of College Admissions