Last reviewed: July 14th, 2025

A photo of the 4th floor open seating area
4th floor open seating area

Overview

The 4th floor is a floor that provides a variety of open seating types and windows with plenty of natural light.  On this floor you can find:

  • Open study spaces with individual seating
  • Collaborative study tables

Located on this floor is the TMU Archives and Special Collections. To plan your visit and conduct research consult the TMU Archives and Special Collections website.

An image of the 4th floor floor plan

Wayfinding

The 4th floor of the library can be accessed via the library elevators or central staircase L2, adjacent to the elevators.

Environment

Light

The 4th floor has fluorescent overhead lighting over the central area where the passenger elevators, the washrooms and the stairwell are located and LED lighting in the open study area. Seating along windows will receive natural light during the day.

Sound

The 4th floor is a quiet study floor, though some low level of conversational noise from small groups is to be expected as it is an open floor. Bookable group study rooms are available on the 5th through 9th floors. For silent, individual study space, visit the 10th floor. 

For further details please consult the TMU Library Noise Policy

Study and Learning Spaces

The 4th floor provides a variety of seating and study options.

Individual Study Spaces

There are several types of individual seating options on the 4th floor.

Individual Seating

The 4th floor also has a selection of individual seating and table options:

  • Stationary swivel chairs
  • Small individual tables for use with laptops or personal belongings.
  • Power outlets are available from movable power hubs placed in the area of the swivel chairs.
Swivel chairs with individual table and portable power outlet
Swivel Chairs with individual table and portable power outlet

Collaborative Study Space

Seating for individuals and small groups is available in the central study area. Tables include built-in power outlets. Chairs are available with and without arms.

Group study table
Group study table

Two height adjustable tables are located in the North East corner along the windows.

Group study table
Group study table
Image of the lever on the height adjustable desk.
Height adjustable desk lever

Bookable Group Study Space

There are no group study rooms located on the 4th floor. Bookable group study rooms are available on the 5th through 9th floors.

Amenities

Washrooms

There are men’s and women’s washrooms on the 4th floor as well as an All-gender accessible washroom.

Image of All Gender Washroom on 4th floor
All gender washroom entrance

Water Fountains

There is one water fountain on the 4th floor, located in front of the male washroom. It includes a water bottle filling station.

Hand Sanitizer

A hand sanitizer dispenser is affixed to the wall at the washroom(s) entrance.

Emergency Features

Alarm System

The Library building has a two-stage alarm system. For two-stage alarms, please listen carefully to distinguish the signal, as there will be two different tones.

  • For the first stage, the signal is a slow, intermittent tone, and it signifies a “be alert” signal. In this case, stand by and be alert for potential evacuation of the building. Listen to any announcements made.
  • For the second stage, a fast, continuous tone signifies an “alarm” signal, and you must evacuate the building immediately. Do not wait for further announcements. Do not use the elevator.

If you have a disability that prevents you from using the stairs, please see Evacuation Plans for People Requiring Assistance

Emergency Exits

In the case of an evacuation, staircases are located adjacent to the elevator bank, and emergency staircases on the east and north sides of the floor.

Security Phone

An emergency phone is located at the exit to the East emergency stair (L2) and is marked with a red flag sign.

Image of emergency phone on 4th floor
Emergency phone

Blue pull duress buttons/pulls that connect directly to TMU Security are located in close proximity to all emergency exits and in all washrooms on the 4th floor. An additional pull is located in the Special Collection Room, adjacent to the exit towards the washrooms.

Refer to the yellow signs located in all shared spaces to confirm your location (which is noted in a white box in the upper right corner).