Library as a Stress-Buster: Supporting Student Well-Being Beyond Information

Abstract

Purpose: This poster aims to inspire university libraries to help reduce students' exam-related stress by offering psychological and emotional support, promoting mindful breaks, encouraging collaboration, and sharing knowledge. Background: Mental health issues - especially stress and depression - are increasingly common among students. According to the pan-European student survey EUROSTUDENT 8, the number of Estonian students reporting mental health problems has nearly quintupled in the last five years.

Content: The University of Tartu Library (Estonia) has implemented several stress-relief initiatives: - From Books to Breaths: "Manage Stress" Help Desk - More Than Knowledge: Therapy Dogs Provide Comfort - Juggling With Librarians: A Smart Study Break

Our strategy: - Innovation through partnerships with university and city organizations and experts - We didn't create or fund new services - we simply hosted our partners in the library, making their services more accessible to students who needed them most. - An essential part of our work was knowledge exchange.

Conclusion: The library is not just about books and information. It's also about humanity, connection, and care. Libraries can play a vital role in supporting student mental health. When students feel emotionally supported, they manage stress better, stay focused, and succeed academically.