Noise-cancelling headsets with microphones (USB-C)
The library will purchase and make available noise-cancelling headsets with microphones to patrons who are attending Zoom classes and watching instructional videos in the library. There have been occasions when students do not use their own headsets while watching videos or attending Zoom classes, which then disturbs other patrons in the library. These headsets can also be used by students who use voice-to-text apps for accessibility purposes and for students who need to block noise for quiet study.
The headsets will be made available for check-out at the reference desk on the second floor and the circulation desk on the first floor.
The library, via the reference desk on the second floor and the circulation desk on the first floor.
In the library’s most recent triennial in-library use survey (2022), 81.98% of the 657 respondents stated that it’s very important to have silent study zones in the library. However, only 28% of respondents said there are “enough individual silent study spaces”. This Tech Fee project seeks to address the need to maintain silent study spaces by providing headsets to students watching instructional videos and attending Zoom classes in the library.
Karen Okamoto will oversee the project and may seek the guidance and assistance of the library’s IT Academic Applications Director (Geng Lin), Associate Librarian for Public Services (Marta Bladek) and Circulation Librarian (Joy Dunkley).
Karen Okamoto will oversee this project.
This project addresses the technology portion of objective c, Goal 4, in the 2025 Strategic Plan: “Improve operations through staff development and technology.” Students often participate in Zoom classes in the library and need headphones with microphones to quietly participate. The library currently offers wired USB-A headsets which can be used with laptops. Providing noise cancelling headsets with microphones will allow our students to quietly participate in Zoom classes and watch instructional videos within the library.
This project also addresses Goals 1 and 3 of the Strategic Plan by supporting our students and promoting equity and inclusion through the provision of much needed quiet study areas for our students who may not have the space nor quiet to study at home. As well, these headsets will help students who need to use voice-to-text apps or who have low sensory needs and want to block out noise for quiet study.