iRelax is U of T’s 1st secular, ethically and sustainably-sourced mindfulness resource area.
Located on the 4th floor, iRelax offers its visitors a variety of physical props including yoga mats, meditation cushions, and benches, and print learning resources on a first-come, first-served basis for use throughout the 4th and 5th floors.
Sound-cancelling headphones and iPods loaded with free guided meditations are available at the Information Desk. Find out more about the full range of borrowable mindfulness resources available.
iRelax goals
The goal of iRelax is to provide items to assist users with resilience, personal development, stress-reduction, and increased focus throughout the year. Mindfulness practices have been empirically shown to be an effective way to reduce stress and increase focus.
By connecting our community to secular mindfulness resources, ethically and sustainably-sourced materials, technology, and links to on-campus learning opportunities, we hope to facilitate the development and/or expansion of our community’s wellness toolkits.
iRelax in the news
The iRelax model was developed by Kathleen Scheaffer, Inforum Outreach & Instructional Services Librarian, as a result of her research, and in consultation and partnership with Faculty of Information community members. The first instance of iRelax was launched in the Inforum at the Faculty of Information in Fall 2016.
iRelax has been featured in the following places:
- University of Toronto Bulletin article
- University of Toronto’s Sustainability Yearbook (2017-2018)
- University of Toronto Libraries Instagram account
Other libraries have now adopted the iRelax model.
Robarts Library Reflection Room
Kathleen and her Robarts librarian and staff colleagues were awarded a Chief Librarian’s Innovation Grant to extend and expand the iRelax model to Robarts Library.
Their efforts resulted in the Robarts 8th floor Reflection Room, a multi-use room for religious, spiritual, and secular practices, including prayer, meditation, yoga, and mindfulness. The room was launched in October 2018.
Vaughan Public Libraries Mindfulness, Meditation, and Relaxation Space
Vaughan Public Libraries modelled its recent mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation space after iRelax. The space launched in late 2018.
UTSC Library Mindfulness Space
The library at the University of Toronto at Scarborough launched a mindfulness space in 2019. They offer meditation cushions and other supplies, yoga mats, a light therapy lamp and more. The space was modelled after the Inforum’s iRelax space.
