Student wellness, particularly mental health, is a critical issue facing Canadian post-secondary institutions. Providing students with healthy, positive methods of coping with stress is another way libraries can support learning and academic success. Librarians from three libraries in Atlantic Canada, Memorial University, University of New Brunswick, and Holland College, will discuss their initiatives to support student wellness. Pet therapy (not just dogs!), cooking classes, healthy breakfasts, broad spectrum “Happy Lights”, and the “Librarian is in” booth are just some of the innovative programs you’ll learn about. The results of our survey of Canadian academic libraries will provide a snapshot of how libraries across the country are supporting student wellness.
Learning Outcomes
1. Participants will be able to recognize the need for wellness support and identify ways that libraries can play a crucial role in this support.
2. Participants will be able to implement similar wellness programming at their institution.
