On the exterior, students cannot hear noise coming out from the Library which is good.

Entering the library, users can immediately hear noise from conversing students, scanned pages,
dragged chairs, footsteps, and books banged on the tables. The cause of that is open space planning
which allows noise to travel freely inside the space. That kind of condition is clearly visible at the
Main study area and Filipiniana Section wherein all the bookshelves are placed at the sides and
tables are spread on the open area at the center. Another acoustical problem is the steel mezzanine
flooring that can cause annoyance to other users due to its ability to cause noise and is considered
to be the major acoustical problem inside the library.

Finishes applied in the library are floor tiles, painted concrete wall, fixed frosted windows,
and painted plywood ceiling. Most of the finishes have less ability of sound absorption since they
cause the sound to bounce back. Other materials that may affect acoustics are furnitures such as the
steel bookshelves, varnished study tables, and plastic chairs; all of glossy textures. The only major
sound absorbing material that is indigenous inside the library is books.

The volume and surface area of the individual spaces such as the main study area, hall of
fame, and Filipiniana section can influence reverberation. Each space has differences in volume since
their ceiling heights are varied. Such condition may cause sound to echo.
Main Study Area

L = 103.43 ft.

W = 58.5 ft.

H = 12.47 ft.

V = 75 451.67 ft3

Surface Area:

Floor = 6050.66 ft2

Wall = 4038.53 ft2

Ceiling = 6050.66 ft2

Filipiniana Section

Ceramic floor tiles, smooth frosted window smooth concrete, painted wall, pa

L = 58.93 ft.

W = 41.13 ft.

H = 11.17 ft.

V = 27073.74 ft3

Surface Area:

Floor = 2423.79 ft2

Wall = 2235.34 ft2

Ceiling = 2423.27 ft2