Library and Information Science Commons^™

The purpose of this study was to determine if labyrinth

walking in an academic library would reduce library user stress

and promote relaxation. A non- equivalent control group design

was employed. Systolic blood pressure was significant for time effect

(effect size of .136, and power .721). Pulse rate was significant for

time effect (effect size 0.93, and power .507). Satisfaction survey

results demonstrated increased satisfaction after labyrinth walking.

Data from this pilot will form the basis of a larger scale study to

determine the effect of labyrinth walking on stress particularly in

high-stress learning environments.

To date, a relatively small number of studies have examined the information needs and behaviors of public health practitioners, with most of the research funded by recent National Library of Medicine (NLM) and National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NN/LM) initiatives [1–4]. One segment of the public health workforce whose information needs have not yet been examined is faculty members in schools of public health. Public health faculty are the teachers and mentors of many future public health practitioners and therefore have an opportunity to shape where and how the public health workforce seeks information. The …