A new and intriguing installation appeared in the Leisure Reading Room of the Pattee Library last week, and it combines aspects of a chair, study room, and alien space pod.

The chair, designed by Steelcase (a major manufacturer of library furniture) is a Brody WorkLounge: a special chair that the website says was “designed to be good for your body and good for your brain.”

Steelcase contacts who work at the library put the chair, which was only designed within the past year, in that space to get student feedback using an easel and paper pad directly next to it. The library’s user experience librarian already collected three whole pages of feedback from students.

Jill Shockey, a spokesperson for the library, said that “if it’s popular with students, we may consider adding them to multiple areas of the library.” She discussed how the library regularly seeks feedback from students to, “ensure an inclusive, welcoming environment supportive of learning and research.”

By providing support and comfort through patented LiveLumbar technology and through the work surface, this chair reduces neck and shoulder strain. In addition, it improves the user’s ability to focus by creating a private space that is closed off to distractions, thus enhancing their sense of security.

The students will decide whether this chair takes off or flops — if it succeeds, the library’s furniture will see some changes that perhaps both our body and brain will appreciate.

About the Author

Erin Servey

Erin Servey writes and copy-edits for Onward State. She's a Junior Schreyer Honors Scholar and Paterno Fellow at Penn State, studying English and psychology, with a French minor. Editing, poetry, and photography are her passions. Send questions and comments via e-mail ([email protected]) and follow her on Twitter (@ErinEServey).

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