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L ibrary Anxiety and Reference Librarians in Academic Libraries

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L ibrary Anxiety and Reference Librarians in Academic Libraries. Diana DiPierro & Nincy George Dr. Mary Pat Fallon LIS 704-02 25 April 2012. What is Library Anxiety?. Feel skills are inadequate Ineptness is a source of embarrassment to be kept hidden - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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Library Anxiety and Reference Librarians in Academic Libraries Diana DiPierro & Nincy George Dr. Mary Pat Fallon LIS 704-02 25 April 2012
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Page 1: L ibrary  Anxiety and Reference Librarians in Academic Libraries

Library Anxiety and Reference Librarians in

Academic Libraries

Diana DiPierro & Nincy GeorgeDr. Mary Pat Fallon

LIS 704-0225 April 2012

Page 2: L ibrary  Anxiety and Reference Librarians in Academic Libraries

What is Library Anxiety?

Feel skills are inadequate

Ineptness is a source of embarrassment to be kept hidden

Refrain from asking questions for fear of exposing their incompetence

High level of library anxiety in students who are young, male, ESL students, Freshmen, high levels of academic achievement, and held a job

Page 3: L ibrary  Anxiety and Reference Librarians in Academic Libraries

Library Anxiety - Definition

Constance Mellon, a Library Science professor first coined the term "library anxiety" in 1986.Library anxiety is “an uncomfortable feeling or emotional disposition experienced in a library setting that has cognitive, affective, physiological, and behavioral ramifications. Library anxiety is characterized by negative emotions including tension, fear, feelings of uncertainty and helplessness, negative self-defeating thoughts, and mental disorganization, all of which have the propensity to debilitate information literacy” (Mellon, as quoted in Jiao and Onwuegbuzie 372–73).

Page 4: L ibrary  Anxiety and Reference Librarians in Academic Libraries

Library Anxiety Scale – Developed by Sharon L. Bostick in 1992

(Onwuegbuzie, Jiao, & Bostick, 311-312.)

Page 5: L ibrary  Anxiety and Reference Librarians in Academic Libraries

Library Anxiety – DimensionsDeveloped by Bostick Using LAS

Barriers with Staff - Students perception of librarians and staff as intimidating and unapproachable. Also that librarians are too busy to provide

assistance. Affective Barriers - Students feel inadequate

about using the library. Also feel they possess incompetent library

skills.

Page 6: L ibrary  Anxiety and Reference Librarians in Academic Libraries

Library Anxiety – DimensionsDeveloped by Bostick Using LAS cont.

Comfort with the Library - Students perception of the safety and welcoming nature of the library.

Knowledge of the Library - Students feelings of how familiar they are with the library.

Mechanical Barriers - Students feelings on operating library equipment. Examples: computer printers and copy

machines.

Page 7: L ibrary  Anxiety and Reference Librarians in Academic Libraries

Library Anxiety - Contributing Factors

Perfectionism - Students expectation to be familiar with and have expertise in the library. When not held to this standard, anxiety is

created. Learning Modality - "Preferences in how

students function, learn, concentrate, & perform during educational activities." Ex. noise preference Work in silence: Anxiety increased if it is noisy

in the library. Work with background noise: Anxiety

increased if noise restrictions are imposed.

Page 8: L ibrary  Anxiety and Reference Librarians in Academic Libraries

Library Anxiety - Contributing Factors cont.

Frequency of library visit - higher level in Freshmen and Sophomore students

Poorest sense of goal determination low levels of academic self-competence,

intellectual ability, creativity self motivated and peer-oriented learners,

who lack persistence

Page 9: L ibrary  Anxiety and Reference Librarians in Academic Libraries

Library Anxiety – Contributing Factors cont.

Changing nature of Reference Users are overwhelmed by the complexity of a

single task or by the amount of available resources

Students often overestimate their ability to locate credible information

Rapid Technology changes- Inability to cope with the new computer technologies in healthy manner.

Page 10: L ibrary  Anxiety and Reference Librarians in Academic Libraries

Library Anxiety - Consequences

Prevent developing information literacy skills Incomplete thesis/dissertation due to avoidance

behavior Lower quality research proposals Poor academic work and performance will

happen

Page 11: L ibrary  Anxiety and Reference Librarians in Academic Libraries

Library Anxiety - Prevention Physical Environment

Signs and Graphics – help students with directional inquiries Building Directory can be placed at the entrance of the library.

Space and Layout – make areas and resources easily accessible for students Location of Resources – distance Personal Space – do not crowd study tables Evaluate Safety and Security Policies

Re: Learning Modalities - Example of noise Equip libraries with many soundproof rooms Help students to understand their own preferences Librarians should look for verbal and non verbal cues

Page 12: L ibrary  Anxiety and Reference Librarians in Academic Libraries

Library Anxiety – Prevention Physical Environment cont.

Cooperative Resource Development Efficient Interlibrary Loan Services Library Consortia for resource sharing Reduces students anxiety for availability access

Tours and Open House Helpful for Freshmen and new students’ acclimation with

library Multimedia virtual tours on library’s webpage Creates library literate students

Page 13: L ibrary  Anxiety and Reference Librarians in Academic Libraries

Library Anxiety – Prevention Physical Environment cont.

Informational Brochures and Handouts Prepare a take-home guide for students to refer to for

info such as: Policies and procedures Hours of use Services provided Equipment use such as printers, copiers, personal

computers Cell phone usage Locker availabilities Food and drink policies Directory of subject specialist librarians Telephone numbers Loan periods Etc…

Page 14: L ibrary  Anxiety and Reference Librarians in Academic Libraries

Library Anxiety - Prevention Through Instruction

Bibliographic Instruction Courses Interject humor into presentations Group library instruction followed by online tutorial

Provide Hands On Computer Workshops How to use:

Online catalog Electronic databases Citation software Research tools Organizational tools

Cooperative Learning Groups Peer level awareness that no one is "perfect".

Keeping a Journal of Library Experiences

Page 15: L ibrary  Anxiety and Reference Librarians in Academic Libraries

Library Anxiety – Prevention Librarian-Assisted Services

Virtual Reference For distance learning students and Millennial/tech savvy users,

instant messenger and chat provides anonymity allowing them to ask questions

Creating Learning Commons Consolidating service points to provide more service in one

location Perception of Time and Money

Reference consultation should be marketed to students as time savers

Shows how much money is saved in every time search

Page 16: L ibrary  Anxiety and Reference Librarians in Academic Libraries

Library Anxiety – Prevention Librarian-Assisted Services cont.

Roving Reference Be proactive and show empathy One-on-one approach

Participate in Professional Development Activities Study and discuss issues Try to improve services Apply new techniques and resolutions

Personal Librarian Give Freshmen a successful transition from high school to

college (Ex:Bowling Green State University) Personal touch bring students back repeatedly

Page 17: L ibrary  Anxiety and Reference Librarians in Academic Libraries

Discussion Questions

1. What innovative programs could help combat anxiety and ease Freshmen into academic libraries?

Page 18: L ibrary  Anxiety and Reference Librarians in Academic Libraries

Discussion Questions

2. What other suggestions, or practical strategies, can be used to help patrons become successful library users and provide them a less anxious learning environment?

Page 19: L ibrary  Anxiety and Reference Librarians in Academic Libraries

Discussion Questions

3. Do you think Graduate students are less accustomed to library anxiety?


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