Abstract
Background
“Belonging” has resurged within university campus climate discussions. A sense of belonging can help students feel supported and valued, which can lead to better academic outcomes and a more positive climate. Health sciences education, especially, faces pressure to address belonging’s complexities as their learners face high levels of stress, depression, depersonalization, and yet demonstrate feelings of social or self-stigma in seeking help – before they even emerge into high-stress roles with high rates of burnout and significant mental health challenges. In response to these wicked problems, and the myriad requests from learners who lacked access to personal care and wellness resources on a small urban campus, the Health Sciences Library and Student Life co-created a new wellness initiative: the Cura Corner.
Description
This talk describes the planning process, implementation, and management of a dedicated wellness corner in an academic library. Designed with the Jesuit value cura personalis, “care for the whole person” and the Eight Dimensions of Wellness in mind, the permanent resource includes health and wellness information from university units, local organizations, and authoritative agencies, as well as take-what-you-need items for study, personal care, or grounding. The corner also facilitates community information-sharing and uplifting messaging between learners. It has even inspired a popular extra-credit practicum assignment, now in its third year. Despite a physically small footprint, the Cura Corner was not without its challenges; these institutional, financial, and professional challenges will be outlined as well as how interdisciplinary approaches and collaborations – and moxie – solved them.
Conclusion
This talk will demonstrate how health sciences libraries can creatively and meaningfully engage in interprofessional initiatives, furthering conversations of libraries’ roles in consumer health and campus climate. Not only has the Cura Corner surpassed our initial hopes moving into its third year, but the project has also strengthened the collaboration between the Library and our collaborators, as well as increased the visibility of the library as a health and wellness resource and refuge for our campus community. Highlights of our current works-in-progress include inclusion in the university’s Giving Day campaign, collaboration with visiting capstone students on similar initiatives, and forthcoming research on health sciences students’ approaches to holistic wellbeing.