11 ways the Library can help students survive the exam crunch
McMaster Library has countless resources to help students at any time of year, but during the exam period when stress levels soar and students are studying feverishly, Mills, Innis and Thode Libraries have lots of services and stress-busters that can help make this hectic time a bit easier.
1. Pedal your way to productivity
Flexispot Deskcise all-in-one desk bikes are now available in Mills, Thode and Innis Libraries. The units – part stationary bike, part desk – allow you to study and get moving all at the same time, and are said to increase both focus and productivity. These adjustable units include an attached desk space and a ride computer to track the time, distance and calories burned during each session.
2. How do like them apples?
Need a healthy snack to keep you going? The Library is offering free apples and granola bars to students. They can be found in the Learning Commons at the help desk, and at Thode and Innis Libraries, as well as at the Ron Joyce Centre. Apples and granola bars are available on a first come, first served basis – help yourself and enjoy!
3. Trouble focusing? There’s an app for that!
Relax, learn to manage your stress, and improve your ability to focus with Muse brain-sensing headbands. Using seven sensors to detect and measure brain activity and Bluetooth to send this information to the free Muse app, the headbands provide a one-of-a-kind interactive meditating experience. Muse provides feedback on your meditation by translating your brain signals into the sights and sounds of wind, which are stormy when the mind is active and settled when the mind is calm. The app reports on your session and progress, adjusts your goals, and challenges you to remain calm for increasing lengths of time. Visit the Library Services Desk in Mills, Thode or Innis Libraries to borrow the headbands for up to a week.
4. Add a cute dog
Liam the Library dog is a certified therapy dog who loves attention from students! Visit with Liam at the following times:
- Thursday, April 12 – DeGroote School of Business (DSB) Lobby 1:30-2:30 p.m.
- Friday, April 13 – DSB Lobby 1:30-2:30 p.m.
- Thursday, April 19 – Innis at 11:00 a.m., Mills at 1:00 p.m., and Thode at 3:00 p.m.
5. Forgot your headphones?
You’re all set up for an intense study session at the library, and realize that you forgot your headphones! You can still enjoy your favourite study playlist by borrowing headphones for four hours at a time from the Service Desk in Mills, Innis or Thode Libraries with your library card.
6. Spark your curiosity and creativity at Lyons New Media Centre
Get creative in the Lyons New Media Centre. Colouring sheets and pencil crayons, knitting, and origami available, as well as the VR glasses, and robots for students to sign out and play with. Some items can only be used within LNMC, some can be signed out for up to 24 hours. Click here for more information.
7. Innis Library De-Stress Zone
Take a break in the Innis Library De-Stress Zone, which includes range of activities to help you decompress including colouring materials, puzzles, word finds, Sudoku, and crosswords. There are games to sign out, just ask at the desk. Try out the exercise/desk bike or sign out the energy light therapy lamp. Students who complete the Innis Library word search, can submit it to our ballot box for the chance to win a prize pack that includesLibrary swag, the Stats Canada 150 humour book, treats, fidget spinner, and head massager.
8. Unwind at Mills Library
Mills Library has board games and puzzles available for students – just visit the service desk to sign them out.
9. Food or drink, anyone?
Vending machines with snacks and beverages are now available and being stocked regularly in Mills, Innis and Thode libraries.
10. Past Exams
The Library has a range of past exams from Humanities, Social Sciences, Business, Commerce Engineering and Science courses that can help you be more prepared. Find exams here.
11. Ssshh!!
Quiet study can be found in the following spaces:
- The Connections Centre in Mills, 1stfloor
- 6th floor of Mills Library
- Area on 4thth floor of Mills Library
- All areas on 3rd and 4th floors of Mills Library
- Silent late night study in Innis Library, Mon-Thurs, 11:00 p.m. – 1:45 a.m.
- Lower level of Thode Library, as well as a small silent study room also in the lower level
LIBRARY HOURS FOR THE EXAM PERIOD ARE AS FOLLOWS:
Thode library is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week until the end of the exam period.
Inns Library is open Monday to Thursday: 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 a.m., Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 11p.m., Saturday: 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Sunday: 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Mills Library is open Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Saturday: 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Sunday: 12:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
The Mills Learning Commons is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week until the end of the exam period.
