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The Heart of the College? Why FE Libraries are Essential to Health and Wellbeing

North East Scotland College

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“Leaders and librarians now recognize that it’s time to reimagine our spaces, redefine our services, and build stronger relationships with our students. In doing so, we can personalize the student experience and better support their health and well-being.”

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https://www.nais.org/learn/independent-ideas/august-2019/student-health-well-being-how-libraries-can-create-safe-spaces

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Recreational Reads

Fiction issues have increased by 62%

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Light Boxes

One in three people consistently struggle through the autumn and winter months with a type of depression known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD)” (Bowyer, 2021)

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Wellbeing Hubs

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Chess & Jigsaws

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Stories, Crafts, Creative, Adventures

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Stories, Crafts, Creative, Adventures

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Stories, Crafts, Creative, Adventures

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Stories, Crafts, Creative, Adventures - Evaluation

  • Craft sessions (and chocolate tasting) were most popular, followed by reading group sessions

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  • 88% of the group are more likely to visit the library in person or online

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  • 94% of the group say their mental health may have or has improved since coming to the group

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  • 100% would recommend the group to a friend of colleague

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Stories, Crafts, Creative, Adventures - Evaluation

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Stories, Crafts, Creative, Adventures – The Impact

  • It definitely gave me the confidence to become a more solidified part of the college and felt like I was an equal rather than just a student, if that makes sense? It also made the prospect of actually being on campus far less scary also. I didn't really speak in the early sessions, but as we went on and had all these different experiences I knew I could be myself and not just a random student.�I know for sure I could give the deputy president job a try because of the group, I knew I could talk to staff and students and listen to them as well.

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“Just feel brighter after each session. Having something interesting/different to think about and tell friends and family. This has not been easy in lockdown - not much news to share when living in isolation so it's been a good point of interest”

“I know some nights I wasn’t feeling very sociable but I could still come on knowing there was no expectation on me and I always felt much more positive by the end.”

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“Being a mature student it can sometimes make me feel a little isolated when at college with other students, being part of this group helped to connect myself with other like minded people. This experience throughout the year has been great for having something to look forward too when it felt the world was ending during covid to helped to add some stability and fun.”

Stories, Crafts, Creative, Adventures – The Impact

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Stories, Crafts, Creative, Adventures – The Challenges

  • Attendance and 6 month review of group participants

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  • Cost and non-attenders

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  • Arranging speakers (and being cancelled on!)

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Stories, Crafts, Creative, Adventures 22 – 23…

Next Year

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Stories, Crafts, Creative, Adventures

  • Balance between well planned and participant lead

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  • More group members and some sessions bookable

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  • Challenge of wide geographic areas for in person sessions

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Ethical Choices, Sustainable Changes

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Ethical Choices, Sustainable Changes

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Ethical Choices,

Sustainable Changes

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j.leishman@nescol.ac.uk

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