OCULA Conference 2021: Switching gears: Finding time to check-in and check-out

In May of 2020 the University of Toronto had been fully online for several months and it was clear this would continue. At the Gerstein Library, one of the first virtual programs was Shut Up and Write.

Shut Up and Write @Gerstein is a program that helps students or staff focus on their writing projects, whatever they may be, by following the Pomodoro Technique. Sprints of focused writing coupled with the group setting offers a supportive structure for productivity. This structure is always beneficial, but has been particularly valuable during the past year without in-person learning or the physical library space. Emphasis is placed on reducing the distractions we can control and setting specific short-term writing goals for the two-hour session. For the virtual program we added meditative stretching at the breaks to help attendees be mindful and present while they worked, further reducing distractions and encouraging movement.

Once the virtual program at Gerstein was established, the Innis College Library adapted the program to support its specific community of film and cinema studies patrons, which improved the community support aspect of the program.

This lightning talk will reflect on the benefits and challenges of running a Shut Up and Write program online at a university library, particularly during the sudden shift to virtual learning and library service. We will discuss solutions and techniques for using this program to support student writing, mindfulness, and creating community connections.