Peter J. Shields Library

The library has an impressive collection of reference books. It’s the best place to study on campus. Midterms and final exams do require extensive studying. The student services available on the first floor make study sessions even better. Computer printing is one click away. The second floor main reading room is perfect for avid readers. Not a big fan of the 24 hour room, but it can be an important resource.

I do NOT recommend this place. The staff here do not enforce any policies at all. Both students AND staff can be seen frequently chatting in explicitly designated quiet zones as labelled by posted signage. I have tried numerous strategies to mitigate my frustration with this. I have bought ear plugs to no avail. I have tried filing formal complaints but no action has been taken. I have tried to ask people to quiet down, but most seem to ignore me. The staff don't care in the slightest, and the students seem to think their needs take precedence over everyone else's. It's mediocre if you want to check out books (the selection is highly limited), but utterly horrible as a place to actually do serious study or reading. I will not be returning.

Peter J. Shields Library at UC Davis has unfortunately drifted far from its intended purpose. What should be a calm, focused environment for academic work has gradually turned into a busy, often distracting space. It’s increasingly difficult to find a truly quiet area, especially during peak hours. Conversations, group meetups, and constant foot traffic make it feel more like a social center than a library designed to support serious study. This reflects a larger pattern at UC Davis, where there seems to be more focus on maintaining appearances than creating spaces that genuinely support academic excellence. The library’s upper floors, which are supposed to be quiet, are regularly noisy with little enforcement of policies, while the lower floors are openly loud by design. Even the so-called "quiet zones" have become inconsistent in practice. Resources are adequate on paper, but access to actual research materials feels limited compared to expectations from a major research university. Seating is often overcrowded, outlets are scarce during busy periods, and the overall atmosphere doesn’t foster deep concentration. For those who are serious about focused academic work, Shields Library can be more frustrating than helpful. UC Davis promotes itself as a research-driven institution, but the reality inside its main library paints a different picture — one where social activity seems to take priority over meaningful academic engagement….

Fine library. Other schools, like UCSD, have nicer libraries. People are absolutely ridiculous in this library. Like..... do NOT take your internship interviews in the library!!!! I can't believe I even have to say that. The reading room is nice but it was really loud on the occasions that I have been there. There is a 24 hour study room that is depressing and extremely sterile. The rest of the library has great wooden chairs and nice desks. So much seating. The basement where they have tutoring and some UWP classes is just hell. Loud, noisy freshman screaming instead of studying.

Shields Library at UC Davis is a cool spot on campus where knowledge meets laid-back vibes. It's not just a place to cram for exams; it’s a central hub where students hang out, collaborate on projects, or dive deep into research with resources at their fingertips. The library's bright, airy spaces make it a favorite for anyone looking to study in comfort or just chill with a book under the natural light streaming through large windows. Inside, you'll find a vast collection of books and access to digital databases that pretty much cover every topic under the sun. Shields is particularly known for its strong collections in agriculture, environmental sciences, and the biological sciences—reflecting the university’s specialties. Plus, there are plenty of cozy corners and group study rooms, making it easy to get your study groove on or work with classmates without distractions. Whether you’re looking to get serious about your latest paper or need a quiet break from the Davis hustle, Shields Library has got you covered. It’s a genuinely welcoming space where you can

Peter J. Shields Library has lost its purpose. What should be a quiet space for focused study has turned into a loud, social hub where performative behavior takes priority over learning. It’s hard to find a silent spot, and staff don’t seem to enforce any sense of academic atmosphere. The shift reflects a broader issue with UC Davis — lots of image, very little substance. If you’re serious about studying, this isn’t the environment that will support you. For a school that calls itself research-focused, this library feels more like a student lounge than a center for academic work.

Love when the reading room on the second floor is open 24 hours for finals, check out the view from the top of the stairs. Shields library still needs more modern equipment and outlets, but its old age also comes with that cute grandparent charm.