Academic libraries as active contributors to student wellness

Abstract

Colleges and universities have come to realize that student wellness is a factor in student retention and success. While academic libraries have not generally been included in wellness initiatives they are strategically placed on college campuses to play an essential role. By parlaying their reputations as trusted information providers and community centers, academic libraries can partner with more traditional campus health providers to be active and effective participants in this essential form of outreach.

Library support for student mental health and well-being in the UK: Before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…Implicit is a growing concern with the library user as a whole person not just as an information seeker, especially if this were narrowly conceived as a purely cognitive process ( Lenstra & Latham, 2019 ). As well as directly beneficial to students themselves, such care contributes to student retention and performance ( Ramsey & Aagard, 2018 ).…”

“…A literature is emerging that describes how academic libraries can contribute to student mental health and well-being in the context of this perceived crisis ( Ramsey & Aagard, 2018 ). From the creation of leisure reading collections and designation of spaces for contemplation or napping, through to dog petting sessions, there appears to be a wide range of types of intervention that are being developed.…”

Inclusive Library Service to Individuals with Mental Illnesses and Disorders

“…Some academic libraries provide compiled health resources, such as subject guides filled with local resources and helpful information. The trend of focusing on student wellness is increasing in academic libraries with finals weeks stress relief activities, animal therapy visits, and expanded operating hours for extra studying time, with one librarian even promoting the value of nap stations so students can benefit from extra sleep during stressful times of the semester (Ramsey & Aagard, 2018;Wise, 2018).…”

“…Typically, based on the literature, most academic library mental health outreach or aid takes the form of general student wellness programs. One article discusses this trend, noting the evidence in support of increased retention and student success when wellness programs are in place (Ramsey & Aagard, 2018). One example of a successful partnership between an academic and public library is the Healthy Library Initiative (Morgan et.…”

Supporting Student Wellbeing and Holistic Success: A Public Services Approach

“…Examples of these types of partnerships abound in the literature, as in Ramsey and Aagard's (2018) recent article about holistic student wellness initiatives at Boise State University. Other examples of holistic student services include therapy dog initiatives, as described at McGill University by Lannon and Harrison (2015), and by Reynolds and Rabschutz (2011) at the University of Connecticut.…”