Study Spaces

There are a variety of study spaces in the library to best suit your needs. Whether that includes naturally lit and quiet places by large windows such as on the third floor, or low-lit nooks in the basement, you can view our floor maps and study zones below to determine the best place for you.

Booths

Be sure to try our cafe-styled booths, available on the 1st and 2nd floors.

schaffer library booths 1st floor

Computers and Sit-to-Stand Desks

Throughout the 1st floor, 2nd floor, and basement, there are computers available for use. Also look for our adjustable-height sit-to-stand desks!

Library computers

Movable Whiteboards

Whiteboards on wheels are available for study use, announcements, and words of encouragement.

White Board

Comfy Chairs

Large comfy chairs can be found in the Learning Commons and Lally Reading Room (1st floor) and throughout the 2nd Floor.

A variety of seating options at Schaffer Library

Study Tables

There are many study tables throughout the library that allow you to study openly in groups.

Overhead view of study tables at Schaffer Library

Group Study Rooms

For private gatherings, Group Study Rooms 14, 15, and 210 are available. Rooms 14 and 15 are in the basement and 210 is on the 2nd floor of the library. Students who require access to media equipment have priority in the Group Study rooms.

Group Study Room in the Library Basement

Viewing Stations

There are two viewing stations available on the first floor of the Library, equipped with TVs which can accommodate the use of a Roku stick (available for checkout at the Library Service Desk) and computers with a DVD drive for use with the Library’s DVD collection. External disc drives are also available for checkout at the Library Service Desk for use at Library computers or with personal devices. Learn more about viewing stations »

Schaffer Library viewing station

Study Nooks

If you're looking to study somewhere more private, you can find various nooks throughout the library.

studying in corner of the library

Tapd Devices to help you focus

Consumed by endless scrolling on your phone? Distracted by notifications? These devices work in conjunction with an app (currently available to iPhone users and soon to be available to Android users) to block apps that cause you distraction in an effort to help you lock in and focus.

For more information about Tapd, visit their website: https://www.usetapd.com.

Tapd

Quiet Study

Quiet Study areas can be found on the 2nd floor behind the glass doors. There is NO conversation permitted, including NO cellphone use. Please set your cellphones to silent while inside the library at all times.

quiet study second floor library

Find Your Study Zone

Schaffer Library has three designated study zone types throughout the building that is enforced all year round, but especially becomes important during finals week. Please check to ensure you are in the right zone by noting the sign here, which is also posted around the building.

Study Zones overview

Noise level guide

Red traffic light - quiet study

Quiet Study (red)

NO cellphone use 
NO conversations 

Lally Reading Room (1st floor, behind the glass doors), Second Floor Stacks (behind the glass doors) and the entire THIRD floor. 
Yellow light - quiet collaboration

Quiet Collaboration (yellow)

LIGHT conversation 
LOW speaking voice
NO cellphone use
Where is quiet collaboration? 

Second Floor (all except behind the glass doors) and Basement
Green traffic light - Open collaboration

Open Collaboration (green)

Conversation permitted 
SHORT cellphone conversations
Where is open collaboration? 

First Floor Learning Commons

Schaffer Library

Schaffer Library

807 Union St
Schenectady, NY 12308

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