Angélique Roy,
Health Sciences Librarian, Bracken Health Sciences Library,
Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
Brendan F.R. Edwards
Curator, W.D. Jordan Rare Books and Special Collections,
Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
Abstract
While student stress and anxiety have long been recognized as challenges in higher education, libraries have increasingly adapted their roles by integrating playful activities throughout the academic year to actively support student mental well-being. The Ol’ Medical Colouring Book was designed with health sciences and history students in mind to serve as a de-stressor activity during the exam period and features images from antiquarian anatomy and botany texts found within the library’s collection. It was created by a second-year History student as part of an experiential learning internship, co-supervised by two librarians. The initiative included two three-hour pop-up events where the historical texts were displayed for students to browse and discuss the history and provenance of the works alongside the colouring book. The librarians then sought an ISBN for the book acknowledging the work of the intern and a copy was deposited in Library and Archives Canada as well as the university’s institutional repository. The Ol’ Medical Colouring Book was received with enthusiasm by students and faculty alike, and remains a popular activity during the busy exam season. This article explores the intersection of student mental health initiatives, rare and special library collections, and the use of play-based activities to promote wellness and fun within the academic library setting.