Academic Libraries North is sharing resources about how libraries can support mental health and wellbeing, including case studies based on experience. ALN is a consortium of 33 higher education libraries in the north of England in the United Kingdom. Through collaborative activities and mutual support, they provide opportunities for their members in the exchange of knowledge and experience.
Read More
Creating an environment that fosters Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (EDIB) is a shared responsibility, meaning that librarians have a role to play too. The first step in addressing bias is recognizing that it exists and raising awareness among others. But once the bias has been recognized, it can be challenging to know how to go about addressing it.
Read More
The impact of social media on mental well-being is a complex and multifaceted problem. Past research clearly shows a complex relationship between how people use these platforms and their psychological well-being. Â A crucial aspect of this relationship lies in distinguishing between passive and active social media use. This analysis delves into the contrasting effects of these two engagement styles, examining how they differentially contribute to stress, loneliness, and overall well-being.
Read More
Today, the average person relies heavily on digital technologies, with daily survival intricately tied to these tools. While digital devices offer connectivity, they also raise concerns about mental well-being and emotional stability. Many therapeutic platforms like Calm and Woebot are also digital, deepening this reliance. However, libraries can provide stability by blending traditional methods with technological innovations. As they adapt to the digital age, libraries have transformed from quiet reading spaces into vital resources for mental health.
Read More
We are in a global epidemic of persons living with dementia (PLWD), but libraries are already serving this growing and vulnerable population. More than 55 million people around the world live with Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias. The estimated total global societal cost of dementia exceeds $1.3 trillion per year. 88% of PLWD report experiencing stigma and discrimination and dementia is more prevalent in minority communities, so dementia-friendly library services also support social justice.
Read More
In this reflective piece, I share my experience as a post-PhD early-career researcher navigating the challenges of the academic job market, particularly in applying for academic skills tutor roles within university library teams. Despite an academic background and a range of experiences, I encountered repeated rejections, which led me to ask: Who belongs in the library?
Read More
