Health & Environment

Texas A&M University Libraries Introduce New Bike Desks

August 8, 2017

Student on a BikeDesk
Bike desks are current available for use at three Texas A&M University Libraries locations.
By Patrick Zinn, Texas A&M University Libraries

Texas A&M University students can now exercise while hitting the books at the University Libraries thanks to new FitDesk Bike Desks at Sterling C. Evans Library, West Campus Library and the Medical Sciences Library.

The desks allow library visitors to study, write and type while also pedaling. “These bike desks demonstrate the new kind of place that the library is becoming and how we think about services,” explained David Carlson, dean of Texas A&M University Libraries. “We want to enable students to learn and there is much research that shows learning is improved with good health and exercise. We hope that students find the bikes both as an occasional welcome respite from studying but also a way to get re-energized physically.”

These new bike desks include adjustable seat-backs, desks, and extension parts to accommodate a wide variety of users. Each bike desk includes upper body support positions to make studying while exercising easily achieved. The desks are also equipped with quiet mechanics, so that other students studying in the same area will not be inconvenienced. Each location will also supply sanitary wipes allowing users to clean the desks either before or after use.

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“We have found success stories, including a study done at Clemson University, which found that light activity on the bike desks have led to improved information retention, sleep quality, and academic performance,” West Campus Library Interim Director Jared Hoppenfeld said. “It is yet another innovative service we can provide to students who frequent our libraries.”

Students are encouraged to use the new bike desks and to share feedback. Those who complete a survey will also be entered to win a Fitbit. The survey can be found here.

If any assistance is required or immediate concerns need to be addressed, contact the Ask Us Desk.

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About Texas A&M University Libraries
Texas A&M University Libraries house a rich array of resources assembled to support the research, learning and teaching at Texas A&M. Made up of five unique libraries, the Texas A&M University Libraries serve the entire diverse student and faculty population at Texas A&M through physical and online resources. To learn more about the services and materials available visit http://library.tamu.edu

For more information contact: Patrick Zinn, Texas A&M University Libraries at pzinn@library.tamu.edu or 979.845.4265

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