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).

The launch event for the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Sustainable Sound Futures  was held on the 1st November at the Royal Academy of Engineering, London.

This CDT will train 70 future engineering leaders who will reduce the harms caused by noise and poor acoustics and forge a more positive-sounding future. This is an unprecedented collaboration for doctoral training in Acoustics between four universities and over 50 project partners.