Ohio Wesleyan was awarded nearly $38K from the State Library of Oho with federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services for the purchase of two library privacy pods. Funding was also provided for the relocation of an existing library privacy pod. Pods will be placed in Hamilton-Williams Campus Center and Schimmel/Conrades Science Center, central hubs of student activity.
OWU library staff continues to find ways to enhance the distributed library services model by providing privacy pods that will enhance patrons’ mental health, boost library usage, offer facilities for telehealth and virtual interviews, create semi-private spaces for reflection and creativity, provide quiet spaces for focus or meditation, and improve learning opportunities. This innovative approach is in response to the recent closure of the main campus library due to infrastructure issues and end-of-life systems. Despite this setback, OWU Library has shown itself capable of pivoting to provide services that meet the needs of our campus. This innovative funding helps to fulfill the need for focused workspaces without displacing other campus funds.
OWU Sponsoring Organization/Office: OWU Foundation Relations Office
Contact: Susan Zimmerman at sezimmerman@owu.edu