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"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.

Fidget and sensory kits

Kits will be available to lend starting Wednesday, September 3rd. 

You can borrow sensory kits from the Ask Us Desk at Mearns - McPherson Library. Sensory kits contain items to help with focus and distraction.

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 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 floors:

• Mearns - McPherson Library, 3rd floor & mezzanine
• Mearns - McPherson Library, lower level
• 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 two small-group Tek Booths.

Respite rooms are private rooms in where you can rest. Each library has one respite room with an easy chair, bed, and adjustable lighting.

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.