In a dynamic presentation at the recent Missouri Library Association annual conference in Columbia, Jessica Bennett and Tracy Stout, two members of the Library Science Faculty at Missouri State University, shared their enlightening insights on ‘Self-Care and Stress Relief in an Academic Library.’

Their collaborative effort was the culmination of a pilot program that aimed to transform the well-being of academic library staff. With dedication and innovation, Bennett and Stout navigated the unique challenges of academic library environments, celebrating the remarkable results of their endeavor.

Attendees were treated to a comprehensive exploration of self-care strategies and stress-relief techniques tailored to the library setting, providing a refreshing perspective on maintaining mental and emotional health in a demanding profession.

Bennett and Stout also shared the results of their survey, which indicated that their program reduced stress among participants. Their presentation offered valuable takeaways and inspired the audience to embrace a renewed sense of self-care, setting a positive precedent for academic libraries everywhere.