Welcome to the new IOA website! Please reset your password to access your account.
Please note the IOA office is closed from 23rd December 2025 until 5th January 2026
Choose from over 350 specialist acoustic topics across 10 categories
Topic groups
Research looking at barriers to library use has found that perceptions of noise levels are a factor that prevents people from using libraries.
External resources
Research looking at barriers to library use has found that perceptions of noise levels are a factor that prevents people from using libraries. This qualitative research was undertaken by IPSOS for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport in England, to look at drivers for behaviour change in using libraries. For some, libraries are percieved as too quiet: “I think that they’re too quiet, and this is definitely enforced by librarians. It would be better for me if there was more of a social atmosphere where people could chat a bit more.” (Focus group participant, aged 18-24, North-East). For others, noise levels were seen as a barrier to quiet study “I think that it’s more for children as in my experience there’s often a bit too much noise for me to make it a welcoming space." (Depth participant, aged 55). Further quantitative research to assess the relative strength of barriers and enablers by demographic group was recommended to help identify key focus areas for increasing library engagement.
A new Bill proposing that fireworks noise levels are restricted was introduced by Yasim Qureshi, Labour MP for Bolton South and Walkden, on December 3rd.
The Home Office has issued proposals to relax licensing hours in England and Wales, if England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland reach the semi finals of the world cup in July 2026.
A UK strategy for the conservation of whales and dolphins (cetaceans) - has been published. It acknowledges that underwater noise sits alongside climate change and bycatch is a threat impacting these
The Scottish Government have opened a consultation on proposed changes to the Environmental Noise (Scotland) Regulations 2006.
A report commissioned by the Department for Business and Industrial Strategy to look at assessment of noise from onshore wind farms is now published.
The Welsh Government are consulting on changes to permitted development rights including air source heat pumps(ASHP).
As part of their ongoing enquiry into the impact of airport expansion on climate and nature targets, the Environmental Audit Committee will be taking oral evidence tomorrow - Wednesday May 14th.
The Government are seeking views on proposals for changes to the planning process for national infrastructure projects.
No record found.