The Edmon Low Creative
Studios are one of the Library’s most popular academic resources. The space
provides students the opportunity to use programs and equipment students may
not otherwise have access to for classwork, research, personal learning and
more. However, the space can also be used recreationally. Some of the suites that are commonly used for
students to reduce stress include the virtual reality, flight simulation, 3D printing
and audio studios. All of these suites allow students to engage in their
hobbies and interests in a fun environment. The Creative Studios also provide
board games including Bananagrams, Sorry, chess, trivial pursuit and many more
for students to use while taking a break from homework.
One of the major services that Creative Studios offers that
can reduce stress is Presentation Coaching.
Many people suffer from fear of public speaking. In the Recording and
Presentation Studio, Presentation Coaching hours are available for students who
have a speech coming up or just want to improve their presentation skills. This
can keep students from dwelling on upcoming presentations by increasing their
confidence in their ability and understanding of their presentation style.
The Creative Studios also provide students access to a large
number of items to check out through the Tech to Go service. Want to get out
and capture the beauty of nature or take pictures of your friends? Try the
Canon Rebel EOS T6. Want to explore the night sky up close? Use one of five
telescopes available. Even GoPros are available for capturing action shots.
Other notable things Tech to Go provides are 360 cameras for full panoramic
shots, multiple models of microphones for voice acting, interviewing, or
podcasts and ring lights for photos or vlogging. All of these allow the student
to get their head out of the books and engage in some recreational activities.
Services and items provided through the Circulation Desk can
also help students relax. Study rooms allow students to ensure they are not
being disturbed while working on homework by themselves or on group projects
with classmates. Students can also check out white noise machines while in
their study rooms to help them improve focus on their studies while helping
them relax.
The Library also hosts therapy dogs to help students relax. The
OSU Library teams up with Pete’s Pet Posse to host MuttDay Monday, Yappy Hour
and Waggin’ Wednesdays. Every Monday from 12 to 1 p.m., Tuesday from 6 to 7 p.m.
and Wednesday from 2 to 3 p.m., the dogs of Pete’s Pet Posse are available to
help students relax in the South Lobby. Therapy
dogs are known to reduce stress and anxiety for students.
The OSU Library also works to provide a study space
for any type of worker. There are the study rooms mentioned earlier for people
who like to work without outside distractions. More open options exist on the
first, second and third floors along with the lower level. These floors are all
group study floors. This means the volume levels can get somewhat loud, which
is nice if you are working in a group and do not want to be concerned about
your conversations bothering others. Having some noise is also a study
environment many people enjoy, which is why there are individual study desks on
these floors. The fourth floor is a completely silent study floor. It’s great
for students who need absolute quiet to concentrate and get things finished. The
fifth is considered a “whisper zone,” where conversations and other noise are
allowed at a lower volume. Providing students all of these types of study areas
along with dozens of types of seating ensures students will find somewhere they
are comfortable in the Library to have a relaxing study session.
All of these resources are ways the Library ensures it is
making the most inviting and stress-free study space on campus. What are some
ways you use the Library to be productive without being stressed out?
Posted by Jacob Hinchey, Emerging Technology Intern
