Library Services — Student Support, Peer Engagement, and Wellbeing

The University of Newcastle Library delivers a broad range of student-centred services designed to enhance academic success, connection, and wellbeing. A key feature is the Student Peer Support Assistant (SPSA) program, where student staff provide 930 hours of frontline, peer-to-peer support across four libraries, including evening and weekend services. SPSAs play an important role in creating safe, welcoming spaces and will be part of the new Central Service Point to streamline student support.

From January to March 2025, orientation activities reached over 12,000 students, including library tours, expos, study survival pack distribution, and free fruit and night snacks. While budget limits reduced some engagement activities, the library continues to support students with daily refreshments and cultural celebrations like Eid and Easter.

The MakerSpaces at Auchmuty and Ourimbah offer creative, hands-on learning opportunities like 3D printing, craft, and board games, helping students build essential skills and decompress from study stress. Plans are underway to transition the Ourimbah MakerSpace to a collaborative space at the new Gosford Regional Library in mid-2025.

The Carers and Kids rooms provide family-friendly study spaces, offering toys, books, and activities so students with children can study without disruption. These spaces have become increasingly popular, prompting improvements like nightly cleanups and the planned addition of sit/stand desks.

Overall, the Library’s programs strengthen student connection, support wellbeing, promote inclusion, and contribute to academic success — with consistently positive student feedback across activities.