In this article from American Libraries, Troy University in Alabama is featured because of their awesome new additions – six exercise bikes with tables for laptops that were purchased for student use!
Three bikes are available in the library’s student space at the main campus in Troy, and three are available at the university’s extension campus in Dothan, AL. The additions have been so popular and well-received that the university has ordered three more bikes and six elliptical machines that can be used under tables while students are seated!
Emily Singley wanted to know whether commonly held assumptions about the research skills of college students hold true. She looked at seven studies published within the last three years, and saved us all a lot of work by sharing her results! This is what I love about online publishing….the greater good of all! So, out of nine very interesting findings, I share my highs and lows here!
What delighted me….that students do use library databases–though they often start with Google.
What saddened me….when students need help, they rarely ask librarians for help!
The University of Michigan’s Shapiro Undergraduate Library recently launched a pilot napping space. Sponsored by U-M Central Student Government (CSG), who worked with faculty researchers and the U-M Sleep Disorders Center, the napping station is intended to counter the negative effect of sleep deprivation on students’ academic work. Naps are limited to 30 minutes, and the space, which is in a well-trafficked area on the first floor of Shapiro, is equipped with vinyl cots, disinfecting wipes, disposable pillowcases, and lockers. The Library Journal reported that they started by surveying over 4,000 students, finding out what they valued most in a potential designated nap space, and found that the top priorities were proximity to study areas and classes, making the library a natural partner. Check out an interview with Senior Supervisor for the Shapiro Undergraduate Library, Steve Griffes on Michigan Radio talking about the pilot.
What do you think? Money well spent or waste of tuition dollars?
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