New pods allow for nap time in BCIT library

It used to be hard for students to take a nap once they left kindergarten, but the midday snooze is making its way up the academic ladder, most recently with the installation of purpose-built nap pods in the library at Burnaby’s B.C. Institute of Technology.

Where once students might inadvertently nod off while studying, a cheek pressed into an open textbook on a library table, the two $2,200 pods — each with a vinyl mattress and sliding door to keep the world at bay — allow for a proper shut-eye session.

“They’re designed to allow people to have a quick 20-minute power nap in a comfortable, safe and secure environment,” BCIT library services director James Rout said.

The pods, paid for with revenues from campus vending machines, were installed in July. Earlier this year, the campus set up a nap room — basically mats on the floor of a former racquetball court — but that was two buildings away from the library.

Rout said students who need a break from library studies are still falling asleep on library chairs, amid the stacks and — yes — with their cheeks pressed into books.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

James Rout next to a sleep pod in BCIT’s library.

He said the school may get more of the pods if they are in demand.

“It’s a pilot program; we really want to have a dialogue with students about what works and what doesn’t.”

As to how the pods might work, on the school’s Facebook page one male student received more than 100 likes for his observation that: “You can probably get away with having sex in one of those. Jus sayin.”

Not likely, countered Rout. The pods are in a very public spot in the library, less than five metres from a staff counter, and they’re under video surveillance, he said.

Also, “they’re not large enough for two people; they’re not intended for more than one person.”

gschaefer@postmedia.com

twitter.com/glenschaefer

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.