Digital focus support

"Digital focus" is the ability to focus your attention and manage digital distraction. Sustained focus is crucial for your research skills. It helps you develop your research topic, search effectively, critically evaluate sources, and create your research assignment or product.

We provide space, equipment, training, and resources to help you manage digital distraction and build your digital focus skills.

These tools and strategies may work better for you at different times or for different purposes. Try a range of them and use whatever you find helpful.

Walk stations

Two walk stations are available on the main floor of the Mearns – McPherson Library. Find them at the bottom of the back staircase, overlooking the rain garden.

Our walk stations have electrical outlets, desktops, and a maximum speed of 2 miles per hour.

Book a walk station, or use them whenever they’re available.

Fidget and sensory kits

You can borrow sensory kits from us! They contain items to help with focus and distraction.

Where to borrow:

• Ask Us Desk at Mearns – McPherson Library
• Front desk at Priestly Library

There are two sensory kits available for checkout. Each kit includes:

• reading highlighter strips: translucent coloured strips to highlight and isolate text for focused reading and study
• fidget items for stress reduction
  • squeezable edamame beans
  • Needoh squishy cubes
  • textured silicone worry stones
• visual timers: cube timers and a standard 60-minute visual timer
• chair/desk bands: thick elastic bands for your legs or your chair legs, to help reduce anxiety and improve concentration

You can also check out a weighted lap blanket.

Noise cancelling

The Mearns – McPherson Ask Us Desk and Priestly front desk have noise-cancelling and over-ear headphones that you can borrow.

We also provide free disposable earplugs on request.

Library events

Social events

Drop in for fun, free student social events in the library. These are in-person, staff-supported events that help you disconnect from devices, destress, and meet other students.

Some of our past social events have included:

• bookbinding workshops
• board game sessions
• classic movie screenings
• bring-your-own-book clubs

All supplies are provided and no prior experience is required.

Campus wellness events

We partner with Student Wellness and the UVic Multifaith Centre to promote their programming for students, including:

• yoga
• meditation
• pet therapy
• nature walks

Sessions are free to UVic students, and most do not require advance registration. Check the location in the event listing to see where individual events are held.

Quiet spaces

While no space in the libraries is completely silent, we have several designated quiet study floors:

• Mearns – McPherson Library, lower level, 3rd floor & mezzanine
• Priestly Library, 2nd floor

Tek Booths are small, private workspaces for quiet study or focused calls. Mearns – McPherson Library offers six individual Tek Booths and three small-group Tek Booths. Priestly Library offers one small-group Tek Booth.

Respite rooms are private rooms where you can rest. Mearns – McPherson Library has a respite room with a couch, soft chair with ottoman, a rocking chair, and adjustable lighting. Priestly Library has a respite room with a couch and soft chair with ottoman.

Respite rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Bring your photo ID to request a key from the Ask Us Desk or Priestly front desk.

The sensory study space is a new space in the library, intended to offer students a break from sensory stimulation and reduce digital distraction.

What's included:

• soft, comfortable furniture (couch, soft rocking chair, soft chair with ottoman)
• adjustable lighting
• creative materials, fidgets
• information about how to access loanable sensory kits, noise-cancelling headphones, and other supports

Drop in whenever the library is open.