Small Spaces, Big Impact: Creating Places  with a Purpose in Academic Libraries

Walker, Teresa; Sandelli, Anna; Smith, Rita

doi:10.7771/2380-176x.8239

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…LSU Library's Relaxation Room is a de-stressing service for students that many libraries have adopted in some form: Michigan State University has a "Stress-Free Zone" with classical music and puzzles; Dalton State College hosts a "Stress-Free Week" during finals featuring a coloring station and games; University at Albany, SUNY hosts a "Stressbusters" event that provides games and toys (Flynn 2017;Whitley and Burger 2019;Newton 2011). There is also the "Living Room" at the University of Tennessee, with its comfortable furniture, games, and snacks; "Micro-Breaks" at Memorial University of Newfoundland, which provide toys, stress balls, playdough and more; and the "Finals Resting Place," with comfortable furniture and a relaxing environment at the University of Louisville Kornhauser Health Sciences Library (Walker, Sandelli, and Smith 2018;Rose, Godfrey, and Rose 2015;Smigielski and Nixon 2004). These programs share a similar theme: they provide a student-specific space for relaxation and a reprieve from studying.…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Supporting Student Wellness and Success through the LSU Libraries Relaxation Room

Morgan

2020

JLOE

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As students are increasingly overwhelmed with stress and anxiety, especially during exam weeks, it is important for libraries to demonstrate their impact on student wellness and success. While traditionally libraries have been focused on the educational aspects of student growth, it is important that as students’ needs have grown, libraries grow as well. One way LSU Libraries is doing this is through the creation of a Relaxation Room during exam weeks. The room not only helps provide outreach and engagement to students but it also helps with alleviating library anxiety as well as encouraging the idea of library as a place for community. By focusing on student’s needs, the library positions itself to be a community center on campus and a leader in helping to develop well-rounded students.

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