Now presenting: A dedicated spot on campus to rest and recharge.
The McGoogan Health Sciences Library last week installed two napping pods for the library’s quiet corner – and they’re now available 24-7 to the entire UNMC and Nebraska Medicine community.
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| The pods are open to the UNMC and Nebraska Medicine community. |
"If you want to recharge by taking a quick nap, come to the library," said Emily McElroy, dean of the library. "The pods are located in a semi-private, quiet part of the library with features to help you take a break."
The pods — located on Level 7, which is the designated quiet space — are specially built to help people take a snooze. The cover rotates to provide some dark, and the seat and footrest recline to the user’s setting. Users can dim the lights and plug in headphones to listen to soothing sounds.
Before the renovated library opened in August 2020, it had recliners that were popular for people to grab a quick nap. Since the reopening, McElroy said, people have complained about the loss of the recliners.
McElroy said she had seen napping pods at another academic health sciences library that were in heavy use and thought it would be an excellent addition.
After the McGoogan Library tweeted about the pods, it drew attention on social media.
The napping pods are here! You asked, we answered. Located on level 7 with the Brodys. Enjoy your snooze and let us know what you think! pic.twitter.com/uZkRbeP1nG
— McGoogan Library (@UNMCLibrary) March 2, 2022
McElroy said the pods will complement the library’s reflection rooms focused on wellness, including two rooms with massage chairs. After the library got feedback from the Student Senate, it also added kneeling chairs and foot pedal machines.
One of the great aspects of the renovated library, McElroy said, is the variety of study space options — individual or group study rooms, quiet open areas and places for more open, louder gatherings.