5 Tips to Ditch Study Distractions

Prefinals and finals week are just around the corner, which means students will be putting in a lot of study hours to ace those exams. With rising temperatures and long summer days in view, many students have a hard time staying focused during study sessions. We've all been there--a quick "break" turns into three episodes of "Friends," a snack and 40 minutes of social media browsing.

So how do you combat the constant distractions? First things first, cut out technology. Yes, you heard me. According to Deloitte, 18-24 year olds check their phones an average of 74 times per day. With such a high statistic, there's no doubt that electronics are a significant distraction to students.

I understand that cutting out technology is easier said then done, so let's go through a few simple, non-committal efforts to try rather than going cold turkey.

#1: Turn On Airplane Mode

Putting your devices on airplane mode is a great way to unplug whenever you need to. I have an iPhone and the "Do Not Disturb" setting has never worked well for me, because I can still see all the texts and notifications on my home screen when I open my phone to check the time. Airplane mode is the happy medium that allows users to turn off the distractions when needed, knowing it will all still be there after you finish that lengthy study guide.

#2: Delete Apps

Deleting apps that distract you, such as Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat, is a great way to unplug. When I need a break from technology, this is the technique that works best for me. You aren't deleting your accounts or data, just the ability to access it at your fingertips whenever you want.

#3: Put 'Em On Mute

I promise, your friends will understand. Those huge group chats and GroupMe conversations can be a truly constant distraction with a notification buzzing every other second. Luckily, both GroupMe and group chats can be silenced while you study.

#4: Print Study Materials 

I'll admit that this strategy may not be the most efficient if you have to print out the slides for the entire semester (I've been there.) But, for those simple Word documents or study guides, I encourage you to print them and fill them out by hand. Not only is handwriting proven to increase memory retention, but printing worksheets rather than filling them out electronically eliminates the temptation to browse playlists or open a new browser to "take a quick break" to look at cat videos (again, been there.)

#5: Download Apps

I know that downloading apps to help you unplug may seam counterproductive, but not when it comes to apps like Forest, Flora and AppDetox. These are just a few of the "unplugging" apps on the market. Once you download them onto your phone, you can set certain restrictions on the apps you use most like Instagram and Snapchat. These apps can also log your usage and progress so that you can remain accountable. Utilizing productivity apps can help limit distractions at the source.

Given these tips, there is one final element to ensure an effective study session: the location. No matter how "unplugged" you are, you won't get anything done if you're at your house surrounded by roommates or, for some people, at a crowded coffee shop. For students seeking a spacious, relaxed environment equipped with coffee, computers, printing and much more, I recommend the Edmon Low Library. With study rooms, the Edmon Low Creative Studios, and designated silent, whisper and group study zones, you are sure to find your ideal study space to successfully unplug, focus and prepare.

How do you successfully study for your exams? Let us know your thoughts below!

Posted by Tatum Wallace, Electronic Communications Intern for OSU Library Communications

Library Employees Guide Students Toward Success

The Library is one of the largest student employers on campus. From internships to student assistants to the First-Generation Student Employment/Mentor Experience, the Library provides students with innumerable resources and opportunities to learn and grow in college.

In particular, the First-Generation Student Employment/Mentor Experience exemplifies the Library's commitment to helping its students. Designed for first-generation freshmen, this program offers eligible students the opportunity to gain valuable experience, earn a wage and receive guidance from a Library employee as they adjust to college life.

As a Library student employee, participants earn $8.75 an hour performing tasks such as, but not limited to, office work, sorting or shelving library materials, checking books in and out and assisting with patrons. Aside from these jobs, students are taught workplace professionalism, exceptional customer service and organizational loyalty.

Elaine Weese, a freshman from Omaha, Nebraska, majoring in Sports Management, is a participant in the First-Generation Student Employment/Mentor Experience. She works as the metadata assistant in Library Communication Services. Elaine views her mentor, Holly Luetkenhaus, as someone she can confide in.

"I like how I can sit down with Holly and just talk to her about college or my life in general," Elaine said. "She is someone who helped me transition to college."

Not only does the First-Generation Student Employment/Mentor Experience benefit the student, but the mentor also learns things along the way.

Throughout the past year, Holly, assistant professor in Undergraduate Services, has had an amazing experience coming to understand the needs of first-generation college students.

"It has helped me become more sensitive to the needs and questions of our students, especially those new to the university," Holly said.

As a mentor, Holly has seen Elaine grow as a determined, optimistic and persistent young woman.

"Over the course of the last year, those attributes that she brought in with her have only strengthened," Holly said. "She has set goals for herself and mapped out her path to achieving them. It has been a joy to watch her settle into her classes, sorority, work and friendships with such grace and strength."

The transition to college can be daunting for any student. It is important that incoming freshmen have someone to look to for guidance during this period of change. For first-generation college students, the Library mentor program is a premier opportunity to embrace change and seize every opportunity available. Between the paying job, applicable professional experience and mentor relationship, this program can help skyrocket students' college careers to success.

"It helps build stronger ties to the students, the Library and OSU. The First-Generation Student Employment/Mentor Experience helps contribute to that 'family' feeling that everyone hopes to find while in college," Holly said.  

Who was someone that helped you adjust to college life? Comment below!

Posted by Tatum Wallace, Electronic Communications Intern for OSU Library Communications

Library Internships Spotlight

The Library's primary goal is to act as a resource to expand the learning potential of students at Oklahoma State University. This mission is apparent in all aspects of the Library and the resources it offers students, including internships. The multitude of Library internships provide opportunities for students to expand their resume and gain real-world experience in their field of choice.With many internship positions opening up at the end of this semester, it is time to shed a bit more light on the variety of paid internship opportunities at the Library.

The graphic design intern works with Library Communication Services to design collateral for various Library events and projects. Students majoring in graphic design, strategic communications and marketing are considered for this position. The graphic design intern is responsible for various designs including promotional event pieces, fundraiser materials, and print and web advertisements. All of the projects completed during the internship can be added to the student's portfolio.

The event communications intern promotes Library events. This intern supports each and every event by leading social media efforts, maintaining multiple event calendars and organizing venue details. The events communication intern also writes press releases and other Library website copy. Strategic communications, agricultural communications, marketing and HRAD are all majors that may be particularly interested in this position.

The emerging technologies intern collaborates with various Library departments to stay up to date on the latest technology. In doing so, this intern serves as a brand ambassador for the various technology available at the Library. The student promotes Library tech in many ways, including roving guidance, pop-up demonstrations and participating in events such as Tech Tuesday @ 2. Many different majors are considered for this position, including marketing, engineering and education technology.

The podcasting intern works with the Oklahoma Oral History Research Program to brainstorm, draft and execute engaging podcasts related to OOHRP content. As the podcasting intern, the student has the opportunity to research Oklahoma state history and gain experience with recording technology required to produce a podcast. Students with experience using SoundCloud and other social media platforms are encouraged to apply for this exciting and creative position.

The 3D printing intern helps develop the Edmon Low Creative Studios and its resources. In this position, the student maintains the 3D printers, assists fellow students with creative projects and manages tech equipment. Working with 3D printing and related technology allows the student to gain applicable skills and understand how advanced technology can be utilized in an educational environment. Any student that has experience with creative technology, particularly 3D printers, are welcomed to apply.

The archives social media intern is responsible for promoting the Oklahoma State University Archives through its social media accounts. Compiling press kits, producing feature videos and leading Facebook Live videos are just a few things that the archives social media intern handles from start to finish. Students in the School of Media & Strategic Communications are encouraged for this position, as it requires proficient AP style writing and social media management skills. Agricultural communications, marketing, history and MLIS majors are also encouraged to apply. This position is a way for students to practice handling legitimate business social media accounts in full.

The botanical illustration intern is an example of the Library creating a student opportunity from a special project. This intern's primary job was to identify and organize botanical drawings in the Bellamy Parks Jansen Collection. Students majoring in Botany and Horticulture were considered for this position. The project has been completed and the internship is no longer available, but be sure to look out for more Library internships as new projects always arise.

From social media to history to engineering, students of all majors can find professional opportunities at the Library. Each internship is dedicated to furthering the education of the student in innovative and creative ways. In addition, all Library internships are paid and may be considered for needed class credit. If you are looking for a job with flexible scheduling and viable work experience, be sure to apply today!

Which internship were you most surprised the Library offered? Comment below!

Posted by Tatum Wallace, Electronic Communications Intern for OSU Library Communications

User-Generated Content: Your Questions, Answered

It's no secret that social media is a much more significant marketing tool now than it was five years ago. Whether it be Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat or some combination, companies and brands worldwide are expanding their reach by establishing social media accounts in order to remain relevant in today's progressive tech world. This new era of business has produced a marketing element we see every day but may not recognize: user-generated content or UGC.

So what exactly is user-generated content? According to social media management service Sprout Social, UGC is a "source of content crafted by a consumer, social media follower, fan or influencer that lives under your brand’s properties."

UGC is a efficient and authentic way of publicizing a brand through a third party. Thanks to retweets, likes and shares, ordinary people all over the world are able to connect both with each other and the brands they care about. Below are a few of the ways I work with and have seen the benefits of Library-centered UGC.

Location: Library Lawn

On Instagram, users can tag their posts at certain locations. Library Lawn is a popular location option on campus with significant post traffic from all sorts of people on campus. For example, during homecoming week students and alumni alike posted awesome pictures of themselves with friends and family who were celebrating America's Greatest Homecoming. My favorite type of post on Library Lawn usually comes from prospective or future students who are visiting for a tour or recruiting day! The Library Lawn Instagram location is a wonderful collection of posts from all types of OSU fans making memories at the heart of campus.

Hashtags: #EdmonLow and #OkStateLibrary

Hashtags are also useful tools on social media for people interested in viewing categorized content. Some useful hashtags that I search are #EdmonLow and #OkStateLibrary. By searching these hashtags, I am able to view any posts having to do with OSU Libraries that are tagged with them. From there I can sift through what people are talking about and pick out a funny tweet or photo to feature on digital signage. From impromptu workout videos on the third floor of Edmon Low to words of encouragement during finals week, hashtags are a great way to see what people are doing at the Library.

Mentions: "Edmon Low"

This form of UGC is any text that is typed and posted, no specific hashtag or location needed. In addition to mentioning the library, people may also tag the Library account in the post. Both of these types of UGC are considered mentions. As far as Library coverage, I can search anything from "Edmon Low" to "finals," depending on the time of year, to see what OSU students are doing at the Library. Mentions are very useful because they streamline a form of feedback that Library management may be unaware of otherwise. Complaints and suggestions about Wi-Fi, uncomfortable temperatures and disruptions in Edmon Low are often tweeted about. Once I see such tweets, I can direct the content to facilities management or other necessary staff member to be addressed.

My time as the Electronic Communication Intern at the Library has taught me how crucial UGC is to connecting with the target audience on social media. UGC opens up the door for brands such as OSU Libraries to interact with their audience and foster a personal connection. If someone tweets about the Wi-Fi not working, the Library will typically respond to the tweet to collect more information and assure them that the issue is being addressed. Even small acts such as this can create a relationship between brand and consumer that can have a lasting, beneficial effect.

 Posted by Tatum Wallace, Electronic Communications Intern for OSU Library Communications

OSU Libraries spread holiday cheer!

The Library is, as we all know, the heart of OSU's campus. It represents the knowledge, innovation and spirit of this university. The holidays are no exception. During a time in the school semester when students are often stressed, the Library helps ease the worry of upcoming exams and spread holiday cheer throughout campus. With the chaos of finals, I think students often forget that this time represents so much more than wrapping up another semester. It's the holiday season!

Fanfare of Lights

The Fanfare of Lights is an annual community event that takes place in front of Edmon Low. At this event, OSU choirs and instrumental groups gather to entertain attendees with classic holiday songs. Burns and Ann Hargis recruit Santa and Mrs. Clause to help lead the crowd in a countdown to turn on the campus lights. When they reach zero, the switch is flipped and all of OSU's Christmas lights turn on, illuminating the campus with a festive orange glow. After the lights are turned on, people head to the Student Union for hot chocolate and pictures with Santa or walk around campus to snap a picture with the orange lights.

As a cosponsor for the Fanfare of Lights, OSU Libraries helps get both OSU and the city of Stillwater in the Christmas spirit.

Campus Holiday Lights and Decorations

As a student, I look forward to the campus holiday decorations every year. From the garland on Edmon Low to the Christmas trees in the gardens that light up in synchronization with classic holiday songs, it's as if the holiday spirit is tangible on campus. The decorations definitely help make the walk to class, the Library or a review session much more enjoyable for students during pre-finals and finals week.

Holiday Bell Songs 

Picture this: an over-caffeinated, exhausted student walking on campus to their next final. What do they hear during their trek? A comforting Christmas carol thanks to the library tower's bells. This is a common reality on the OSU Stillwater campus during the holidays. Whether it's on Twitter, over text or even out loud, Oklahoma State students sing praises for the festive twist on the traditional bell tower tunes.

Do you have a favorite holiday memory on campus? Be sure to comment below!

Posted by Tatum Wallace, Electronic Communications Intern for OSU Library Communications

It's A Ruff Life

On any given day, you may see dogs around campus in orange vests; well, these cuddly canines happen to be employees of the University. From its beginning in fall 2013, Pete’s Pet Posse has quickly become a staple of Oklahoma State University. The pets and their handlers can be found in their various places of work around campus throughout the year.

As you may know, the Pet Therapy program was created with the intent of bringing joy and puppy breath to the people of OSU. Research shows the presence of therapy animals can be significantly beneficial to humans, which is why the goal of the Pet Therapy program is to positively enhance physical and emotional health on campus as well as contribute to OSU’s America’s Healthiest Campus® initiative.

There are currently 28 dogs in Pete’s Pet Posse, each with their own personality and energy. These four-legged friends are given custom information cards for their handlers to give out to visitors. We could share a photo of our card collection, but you will just have to visit Pete’s Pets to see them for yourself.

We recently had the opportunity to hear from a handler in the pet therapy program.

Joy Fieldsend and her miniature schnauzer, Sophie, work in the OSU Alumni Association. Joy got Sophie as a puppy and knew right away that she had the loving nature and friendly personality of a therapy dog.

Their most touching moment as a pet therapy team was early on in their Posse career. On a typical day at the Student Union, Joy and Sophie encountered a young woman who was visibly stressed. Joy later learned how much it had meant to the girl that Sophie had been there that day. Their session had given her a reason to smile and carry on during a stressful time.

“It made me realize the work we do on a daily basis is so important,” Joy said. “We may not know it at the time but the impact we have on the well-being of the students is huge.”

Many students admit to checking the Pete’s Pets’ social media accounts to see where the dogs will be located on campus each day, especially during the final weeks of each semester. Sessions with therapy animals have been proven to decrease stress, anxiety and depression. The animals can also provide comfort and encourage communication. These benefits are vital to OSU students with final exams and projects looming overhead.

“It is so important that Pete’s Pet Posse is visible around campus during finals week,” Joy said. “You can see the stress just fall off the students while they are petting the dogs.”

There is no doubt that therapy animals are helpful during times of stress. Junior strategic communications major, Lucky Coffey, is an avid supporter of Pete’s Pet Posse. She loves how the therapy dogs work at different places across the university.

“It immediately brightens my day whenever I see any of the dogs around campus,” Lucky said.

Coffey especially enjoys visiting with the dogs at the weekly events in the OSU Library. Pete’s Pets visit every week for Mutt Day Mondays 12-1p.m., Yappy Hour on Tuesdays 6-7p.m. and Waggin’ Wednesdays 2-3p.m. Members of the Posse will also be visiting the OSU library Monday-Thursday of finals week from 4-5p.m. for Finals Fuzzies.

The Pet Therapy program is able to continue doing great work because of the generosity of Merial, Purina and HomeAgain, which provide each of Pete’s Pets with medication, food and a microchip. OSU therapy dogs wear orange working vests with badges that read “Therapy Dog” and “Ask to Pet Me.” They also wear a Pete’s Pet Posse collar and matching leash.

Useful reminder: Therapy dogs are not service dogs. Therapy dogs, like Pete’s Pets, are trained to interact with many people; whereas, service dogs are trained to help one person and should not be distracted from their duties. Regardless, it is wise to always ask before touching an animal wearing a vest.

Tell us about your favorite encounter with a therapy animal in the comment section below.

Post by Jennifer Barnett, E-communications intern for OSU Library Communications