Library Anxiety Management Strategies

Strategies for Managing Library Anxiety During Covid-19

Library anxiety is incredibly common. But that does not mean there aren't ways to manage and mitigate the negative effects of library anxiety. This page offers a few strategies that anyone can use to help manage library anxiety during the pandemic and after it is (finally) over. 

"Know before you go" - Planning Ahead

The number one way to manage library anxiety is to do a little pre-planning. Since many of the triggers or antecedents of library anxiety stem from a lack of confidence in knowing about libraries in general, taking a few extra minutes to learn about the academic library can go a long way. Look at the academic library’s website to see what they have posted about their building occupancy and access policies during Covid-19. If there have been changes to the availability of print materials, hours of operations, or the need to reserve a time and seat ahead of time, the library’s website will list that information. For example, information about the seat reservation policy put in place at the University of Alabama Libraries can be found on their main website. Not only does the website alert potential users of the policy, but there is also an instructional video that walks you through the reservation process.

Another way to proactively manage library anxiety is to ask yourself a few questions about what your needs are. Questions to consider include:

• If you’re studying, what type of study space do is needed? Are you studying with a group, or do you need individual space?

• Do you need computer or printer access?

• If you need access to print materials, are the stacks open for browsing, or do you need to reserve print resources ahead of time?

• What are the library’s current hours of operation?

• Is there a limit to the amount of time you can spend using the academic library’s spaces?

• Do you need to present any kind of identification or check-in at the information or circulation desk? 

This may seem like overkill for individuals who are familiar with the academic library. However, since library anxiety can be triggered by change, it is important to remember that the library will probably be different from what you’re used to. By doing a bit of extra planning and asking yourself questions like those above you will know what to expect from your visit to the library and avoid possible triggers of library anxiety.

Interlibrary Loan (ILL) and Document Delivery

Interlibrary loan (ILL) and document delivery (DocDelivery) are two resources that many students are unfamiliar with. These services are more useful than ever during Covid-19 because they allow students to access resources without needing to physically browse the stacks, allow students to receive specific chapters of books digitally, and provide access to resources not held within their university’s collections.  However, using ILL and DocDelivery services also takes a bit of pre-planning. When using ILL, the materials are being sent from other institutions, which means that they will not be immediately available. DocDelivery services may have a quicker turn around since the materials are being scanned and sent electronically, but there is no guaranteed turn-around time for requests. Timing will depend on how many requests are being processed, if the materials can be located quickly, and when ILL/DocDelivery department staff work. 

Go straight to the source: Contact a Librarian!

Even after students have decided that they need to get help, knowing where to get that help and who to ask can be a daunting task. Students discomfort surrounding asking librarians for help is well documented (Atlas et al., 2005; Jiao & Onwuegbuzie, 1997; McAfee, 2018; McPherson, 2015; among others). However, breaking down the barriers between library staff and students is a constant struggle.

It is important to remember that librarians are there to help. And, for the many academic librarians, helping students find what they need is the reason that they became librarians in the first place. Due to the health and safety requirements of the pandemic, most traditional face-to-face interactions are not possible and knowing how to get in contact with a librarian may be a trigger for library anxiety. Most academic libraries have some form of virtual reference service (VRS) through their website that functions similarly to an instant message system. Depending on the institution, there may be a log-in requirement, but for the most part VRS’ provide the same access as walking up to the reference or circulation desk to get help. If chatting with a librarian through a VRS is not appealing, there are many other ways to get in touch with an academic librarian for help. Despite varied work from home schedules, librarians are also available over the phone and via email.