Policy
About
Belk Library provides two sensory spaces: a Sensory Room on the first floor with space for 1-2 people, and a Sensory Lounge on the 3rd floor with space for up to 8 people.
The purpose of these spaces is to provide comfortable environments for individuals with particular sensory needs that promote sensory regulation, relieve stress and anxiety, and produce a sense of calm and well-being. These spaces have furnishings, seating, and lighting that promote visual, tactile, auditory, and vestibular regulation.
Access
- The sensory spaces are open to Appalachian State University students, faculty and staff.
- These spaces are open on a first-come, first-served basis. Users should limit their time to 45 minutes.
- Sensory Room users may lock the door while they are using the room, and should leave the door open when they leave.
- Caregivers using these spaces may bring their children, but the children must be supervised at all times and must adhere to all policies for using the space.
- Misuse of the sensory spaces will result in loss of use privileges for the spaces. Violation of the library’s Conduct policy may result in loss of library privileges.
Conduct
- Sensory spaces are intended for sensory regulation and stress reduction, not for group work, socializing, sleeping, or general study by students without specific sensory needs.
- The Sensory Lounge is located on the quiet floor of the library. Users must silence any electronic devices and keep talking or other noise to a minimum.
- Items and furniture in the sensory spaces may only be used inside the space and are not available for checkout. Users should return any equipment used to its original place.
- Sensory space users must abide by the library’s Conduct policy.
- Food is not allowed in the sensory spaces. Drinks with lids are permitted.