A talk around the night time events we held at Aston University Library. What worked, what didn't and how we hope to progress in the future.

1. Study well – study happy:
Supporting wellbeing during exam
time
Kerstin Treder
Information Specialist
Aston University Library Services
6 June 2019

2. Library study night?
►Why do it?
►What is it?
►Programme
►Campus partners
►Promotion: reaching students
►What’s next?

3. Why do it?
► Extra support for students during exam time
► Bring a buddy
► Take breaks and do something else
► Activities to help relieve stress
► Promoting wellbeing
► Support from writing mentors and library staff
Indiana State University

4. Why do it?
► Successful in Germany, Sweden, Canada and
United States
► Encouraged to try this at Aston
► Aston University Library is busy in the evening
(based on occupancy figures)
► Not aware of adoption in UK
Texas State University, Alek Library

5. Evidence
► Universität Tübingen, Germany
► https://schreibnacht.wordpress.com/
“During the Long Night Against Procrastination writing centres worldwide open their doors inviting
writers to experience the spirit & power of working together in a community of writers. In a productive,
social, and friendly atmosphere writers may start, keep working, or finish their writing projects.”
► Duke University, North Carolina:
► https://blogs.library.duke.edu/blog/2018/11/29/long-night-against-procrastination/
“Spend an evening getting on top of everything you have to do—or just come and de-stress with our
soothing activities, door prizes, and free coffee and snacks!”
► Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles:
► http://www.programminglibrarian.org/blog/hosting-long-night-against-procrastination
“The feedback is consistently positive and, though we've discussed the possibility, it is difficult to argue
for making any changes to the model. We believe that our model is solidly designed and could be
successful at almost any institution.” John Jackson

6. Evidence
► Thompson Rivers University, British Columbia
► https://libguides.tru.ca/lnap
“An all-night writing and research extravaganza! It recognizes and accommodates the demanding,
multi-faceted schedules of our students by offering alternative and timely support; contributes to a
sense of belonging; and battles loneliness and isolation.”
► Mälardalens University, Sweden
►https://www.mdh.se/uppesittarkvall-pa-biblioteket-i-
eskilstuna-1.83035?l=en_UK
You can get help with academic writing, information retrieval and how to write references. We will serve
"glögg", gingerbread cookies and candy.
► Europa Universität Viadrina, Frankfurt (Oder) run the first ever “Lange
Nacht der aufgeschobenen Hausarbeiten“ in March 2010
► https://www.europa-uni.de/de/struktur/zsfl/institutionen/schreibzentrum/_Seiten-
Archiv/lange_nacht_2010/index.html

7. Campus partners
► Staff from across Aston University
► Academic staff
► Learning Development Centre
► Qualified yoga instructor
► Chaplaincy
► Student Union: fruit and water bottles
► Alumni: tea tasting
► Catering: free snacks, coffee shop extended
opening hours

8. Activities
► 30 minute talks by academics
► Yoga-based exercise
► Mini-mindfulness
► Tea tasting
► Support from learning advisors and
writing mentors
► Drop-in sessions with Information
Specialists

9. Promotion
► All-student email
► Text message
► Digital leaflet
► Social media
► Display screens
► Leaflets and posters
► Staff-student meetings
► At the end of lectures
► Event LibGuide with booking details
Cyril, our former library mascot, graduated winter 2018/19

10. How did it go in March 2018?
► Participation good between 6pm and 8pm
► Short talks: 22 and 30 students
► Chair yoga: 12 and 8 students
► Mini-mindfulness: 2x 1-to-1 sessions
► Writing mentor: 2 students
► Subject support: 4 students
► Coffee shop: was quiet, despite offer of free snack
► Tea tasting: didn’t work, set-up/location unsuitable
► Survey findings
► many students unaware of event despite using channels of communication recommended
by students
► Student who attended said they enjoyed the activities

11. Lessons learned for next time
► Earlier start time
► Use fewer locations in the library
► Short talks are popular
► Repeat yoga session
► Attract more students to mindfulness taster
session
► Free food and drink in better location
► Promote event more actively close to the
date, f.e. hand-out flyers on the day
North Carolina State University

13. November 2018
► Event time: 4pm to 8pm
► No pre-booking - sign-up on the night
► Promoted at short notice around university
► Event was quieter than in March 2018
► Short talks: 12 and 8 students
► Mindfulness session: 1
► Drop in sessions with staff: 3
► Tea and biscuits popular

14. March 2019
► 3pm to 8pm
► Invited students to pre-book entire event
► All activities in one location
► Free healthy snacks and drinks
► Campus partners
► As per previous events
► Dyslexia specialist
► Careers and placement
► Popping bubble wrap, jigsaw puzzle
► Wellbeing book collection
► Cute animal videos

15. How did it go in March 2019?
► Only a handful of students attended
► Origami, colouring-in, jigsaw: the staff enjoyed it
► Two short talks: 3 students
► Writing lab: 2 students
► Student feedback:
► timing is wrong, run event in early February
► have no time as need to study
► have enough to do and cannot take on any extra activities

16. What next?
► Move away from evenings/nights
► Run event in early February 2020
► Range of activities spread across a day, two days or a week
► All activities as drop-in
► Free food and drinks

17. Any questions?