When Leadership Falls Short: The Crisis of Care in Library Work
Posted on in Blog Posts
Sensory Rest: Finding Stillness in Academia
Posted on October 7, 2025 in Blog Posts
Authors:
Jamia Williams
Over the past couple of years, I’ve turned to the wisdom of Tricia Hershey’s nap ministry, which has challenged me to see rest beyond my amazing naps but as a necessary act of care. I’ve also learned, through advice that was formally shared by the Shine app, about the various forms of rest we need to thrive, including physical, mental, creative, and, yes, even sensory. More recently, I found myself reflecting more deeply after attending a lightning talk on quiet at the ACRL 2025 Conference. All of these touchpoints have nudged me to reconsider what quiet looks like in my own life, and how I might begin to carve out more intentional moments of stillness.
Sensory rest is a powerful form of self-care, especially vital for academic librarians navigating the constant sensory stimulation present in modern library environments. Drawing on the American Psychological Association’s (APA) guidance and insights from a Calm blog, this post outlines what sensory rest is, why it matters for library professionals, and practical ways to incorporate it into daily routines.
What Is Sensory Rest?
According to the APA, rest is not just about sleep but involves intentionally giving different aspects of the body and mind a chance to recover from stress and overstimulation. Sensory rest addresses the constant bombardment of stimuli—bright lights, digital screens, announcements, and general noise that librarians regularly experience. Sensory rest involves reducing or eliminating this sensory input to allow the nervous system to reset, fostering a state of calm and focus that can’t be achieved through sleep alone. Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, a leading rest researcher cited by the APA, identifies sensory rest as a specific type, distinct from more commonly recognized forms like mental or physical rest.
The Need for Sensory Rest in Academic Libraries
Academic librarians support diverse user populations and often juggle multiple sensory demands at once: from the persistent hum of technology to the varying needs of students and faculty. The Calm blog explains that in environments full of stimulation, sensory rest becomes essential to reduce strain, prevent burnout, and maintain effectiveness in professional roles.
Research shows that sensory overload can lead to increased stress, diminished cognitive function, and reduced empathy. Regular sensory rest helps counteract these negative effects, supporting emotional resilience and sustained attention, both of which are critical for library professionals managing complex scholarly and service environments.
Lately, I’ve been sitting with how overstimulated I feel by all the changes happening in higher education. Underfunding, defunding, and the rise of anti-DEI policies create a constant hum of noise that is hard to escape. It’s not just the policies themselves, but the emotional and mental weight of watching these shifts unfold in spaces where I’ve built community and purpose. That noise lingers, and I’ve realized it’s pushing me to think about how I can intentionally practice sensory rest.
Strategies for Sensory Rest: Practical Library Applications
- Unplug Periodically: Take intentional breaks from screens by scheduling regular intervals away from computers and mobile devices. Even five minutes per hour can make a difference.
- Create Quiet Zones: Advocate for or utilize designated sensory-friendly spaces within the library. Seek out areas with lower lighting and sound when possible.
- Embrace Nature: Step outside the building, even briefly, or keep natural elements like plants at the desk to soothe the senses.
- Dim the Lights: Use desk lamps or dimmers rather than harsh overhead fluorescents.
- Welcome Silence: Allow moments throughout the workday to be free of background music, notifications, or conversation.
- Disengage: Take a break from social media or news content for a set period to give yourself a mental break.
Fostering a Culture of Sensory Wellness
Library leaders can champion sensory rest by modeling healthy boundaries, promoting break practices for staff, and creating flexible spaces for both students and staff to use. Embedding sensory rest into library culture not only boosts individual health but also fosters a more supportive and calm academic environment. This can be a great way for the team to come together and imagine ways to continue supporting each other during this time. Additionally, it would be a great way to demonstrate to students that considering our overall well-being at work is important and should be the norm.
Sensory rest is a vital but often overlooked aspect of holistic well-being for academic librarians. By understanding and integrating sensory rest practices, librarians can enhance focus, well-being, and job satisfaction. I know that the library is a busy, multifaceted place. It can be both a place of quiet and a place for stimulation. Hence, it is important to many people that there are still places in the library where quiet can be possible. I encourage readers to continue exploring the various ideas and thoughts about rest presented here and to seek out further reading on the science of rest and the benefits of this multifaceted approach. success. In this way, embedding library support directly into the learning environment is not just a convenience. It’s a critical investment in student achievement and institutional excellence.
About the author:
Jamia Williams (she/her) is a health sciences librarian. She is also the co-creator and co-host of the podcast LibVoices and the founder of The Diversity Fellow’s blog.
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