Library student team member Anastasia Kennett tells us all about how our sensory guide was created.
The Sensory Guide to The Hive is a video guide that takes the viewer on a tour of The Hive. It explains the sensory challenges that might be encountered and the rules that apply to each floor, to ensure that everyone can find a study space that suits their needs. The video points out where assistance can be found should you require it, such as staff personnel and/or practical support such as noise cancelling headphones. The video also includes the location of accessible toilets, self-service machines for borrowing and returning books, printers, and meeting rooms, which you can book.
Library Services staff were keen to explore ways to increase their inclusivity and accessibility for diverse learners. The Library Student Team identified that there were areas of The Hive that we were unaware of; for instance, I knew that The Hive had a level 4 but did not know how to access this floor despite being a student at the University of Worcester for over 4 years. I was also not aware that students can book meeting rooms and access outside spaces, or that there were moving chairs designed for students needing to move whilst studying. We all recognised that neurodiverse students and students struggling with their mental health in a post-pandemic library needed to be supported further. It was concluded that neurodiverse students struggling with co-occurring mental health anxiety and depression may require additional support before accessing The Hive spaces and services.
The Sensory Guide to The Hive was developed for students by students. We initially considered a written guide but felt this lacked the personal approach that a video could provide. Not only could the video also include closed captions and a transcript, but it meant that students could access the video online before entering The Hive.
The idea for the Sensory Guide to The Hive was developed by the whole Library Student Team within our various collaborative meetings with Library Services staff. However, it is worth emphasising that the idea came largely from students. Due to my interest in mental health, diverse needs, and student voice, I was tasked with the creation of the video, but staff were available to provide support throughout. I spent several days in The Hive, using all my senses to gather information regarding the various floors. This information became a script that would be used as commentary on the video. I then worked with Library Services staff to collect images of The Hive that would correspond with the script that I had developed and put on my best voice in the recording to complete the video.
The Sensory Guide to The Hive can be accessed by clicking the link. The video has been created so that you can watch the whole video and/or watch the guides to the separate floors independently. This structure was chosen so that the viewer would not become too overwhelmed by information. In this way, the viewer can access the video in smaller chunks of information that is relevant to them and their needs.
The Sensory Guide to The Hive is intended to be used before entering The Hive, to ensure neurodiverse students and students struggling with their mental health are prepared for the sensory stimuli that they may encounter before entering the building. The students can observe the various floors of the building and decide on the best study space for their needs. Students will also be aware of what The Hive has to offer and how they may access facilities, such as the accessible toilets.
The Sensory Guide to The Hive is important because no two students are the same. All students are different and will have varying needs. Some students can access The Hive with ease. However, neurodivergent students, or those struggling with anxiety, may require additional support in preparation, such as advance warning of sensory stimuli and/or information relating to the layout of a building. This guide provides an audio/visual guide to The Hive that is accessible 24/7 for students to view before navigating the building.
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