BCIT installs new sleep pods in library

NOTE: This story was published on Aug. 2, 2016.

A Vancouver post-secondary institution is looking to land an A+ in the nap department.

BCIT has installed two new sleep pods in its Burnabycampuslibrary so students can liedown for a proper sleep if they should need it.

The library's director says the pilot program was driven by student demand.

"We often see students sleeping in the library," saidJames Rout. "We've also had some research ... that shows a clear need for students to have a safe and secure place to rest."

The technical college launched a nap room inside one of its gyms in January, but Rout says the library is a more central location on campus.

The120centimetre, futuristic-looking sleep pods resemble a large whitebarrel or canister placed on its side.

Users just climb in, liedown on thevinyl matand slide the door closed.

There are no blankets or pillows, but cleaningsupplies, like ones used for shared gym equipment, will be placed bythe pods.Students will be expected to give the pods awipe down after each use, says Rout.

Rout saysthey are considering installing alarms to wake students from their slumber, as well asa booking system.

Solo snoozes only

Because enclosedsleeping unitson a college campus could inspire more than just solo snoozes,Rout says the library hasimplemented measures to protect the health and safety of students.

For starters, onlyone sleeper is allowedin a podat a time.

"We do have staff about 15 feetfrom the sleeping pods and they are under video surveillance," added Rout.

The unitsare not sound-proof at all and have been placed directly next tocomputer workstations which the school hopes will help prevent any badbehaviour.

Student reaction

BCIT first unveiled its sleep pods on its Facebook page about one week ago.

Fifteen hundred shares later, it appears the podswere quite well received, but some did take issue with it.

"Please just spend the money on more tables so there's room for us to study," read Kelly Provenzano'scomment. It was reinforcedby more than 100 likes.

Rout says the pods did cost "several thousanddollars," but they arepart of a larger initiative to purchase furniture that supportsstudent learning, which includes proper rest.