Library Anxiety

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Library Anxiety

• By Janet Scott
• McHenry County College

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What is Library Anxiety?

• The fear of library staff?
• The fear of looking stupid?
• Fear of getting lost?
• Fear of computers?
• Feeling that everyone else knows how to do this
  but you?
• All of the above play a part.

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The research shows . . .

• Feeling that everyone else knows how to do this
  but you.
• This inadequacy is shameful and should be hidden.
• This inadequacy would be revealed if you ask
  questions of staff or others.
• 
  Mellon, 1986
• 
  Keefer, 1993

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Combined with Technophobia

• Computerization has made libraries more complex
  and less standardized, increasing user anxiety.
• Information overload.

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Combating Library Anxiety

• Acknowledge legitimacy commonality of
  anxiety. Mellon, 1986
• Provide successful experiences.
• Confidence increases with practice.
• Empower the student with skill knowledge.
• 
  Levine, 1998
• Instruction from librarians builds rapport.
• Van Scoyoc, 2003

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Library Anxiety

• Are we talking about you or your students?
• Very likely both!