Library Anxiety
Tips for Overcoming It!
This page provides help for the timid or those who have been away from school and libraries for a while.
Pre-test:
True or false?
- I sometimes feel intimidated in libraries TF
- Librarians are too busy to answer student's questionsTF
- Library orientations are booked for every student by every instructorTF
Many people, especially new or mature students, are put off by the size and complexity of the library.
Things are really changing quickly in the library!
Don't let a lack of confidence or knowledge stop you from succeeding. Here are several things to remember that will help you:
- You don't have to be an expert to use the library.
- There are *no* "silly" questions, only unasked ones.
- Start your research early to give yourself time to locate the best materials.
- Consider booking a "one-on-one" consultation with a librarian or ask your instructor to book an in-class library orientation if she/he has not already done so.
- Give yourself some time and mental room to adjust to being (back) in the library.
Ask for help -- from instructors, and from the librarians at the Information Desks at each campus library. This may be done by personal visit, phone call or even email at us at the library.
We are here to help you!
Research is not always an easy process, regardless of the topic and what sources you consult. Ask for help.
Some frustration is normal. Don't let it stop you.
You don't have to be a genius to do research! Most of the time, the most important factor is persistence.
Start early! If you haven't started early-- there is help available. Please ask a librarian for some timesaving tips.
- (E.g. using a fulltext database,
- special limiting features in the databases
- and in the online catalogue (e.g. limit by campus or journal title).
Post-test:
True or false?
- I sometimes feel intimidated in libraries T F
- Librarians are too busy to answer student's questions T F
- Library orientations are booked for every student by every instructor T F
