Research can be stressful enough without having to deal with library anxiety as well. If you are unfamiliar with academic libraries, collections, article-locator tools, and services offered by them, it can be intimidating to just walk in the front door.
Student life is complicated enough: chances are you are also already very busy with coursework, under pressure to make good grades, and still trying to maintain a social life. Research and interaction with the library should not add to your stress.
Here are some tips and tricks to help cope with library anxiety so that you can make friends with the library, or at the very least, be able to get in, get out with what you need, and get on with your life.
- Take deep breaths and work on focusing. When we are under stress, even fairly simple navigational tasks can become difficult. You are more likely to be able to find what you need if you slow down, look around and read carefully. And, again you can ask for help if you feel lost or panicked.
- Planning ahead: Know before you go. 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 library can go a long way. Look at the library website to see what is posted about their building, occupancy, policies, resources, and hours. This may seem like a little bit of overkill. However, since anxiety can be triggered by change, it is important to remember that the library will probably be different from what you are used to. By doing some extra planning and asking yourself questions about what you want to accomplish before visiting the library, you can possibly avoid catalysts that could trigger your library anxiety.
- Ask a librarian or library employee for help. It can be hard to ask for help. Many of us have grown up with the idea that it is important to try it yourself first, and while this is important it is not the only option. Asking for help can be intimidating, but librarians are here to help you. Librarians like helping you and want to see you succeed.
- Ask your instructor for help. If you are really struggling or feeling overwhelmed when trying to do your research, let your instructor know. They may have some ideas of how to start or who to talk to to make things easier.
- Interlibrary Loan (ILL) and Document Delivery are two resources that many students are unfamiliar with. These services are more useful than ever; they allow students to access resources without needing to come to to the library. The library has an advanced and well developed Interlibrary Loan and Document Delivery department. For more information please reach out the library.
- Research Assistance Program is a service that many students are unaware that the library offers. This program assigns students their own personal librarian to help them with their research needs. It allows students to get to know and connect with a specific librarian to help with their research needs, thereby removing the anxiety of having to interact with new and unknown people. This also gives students the ability to communicate with their librarian without having to come to the library, making it easier for students to work through their library anxiety. The Research Assistance Program allows students to get to know and build a trusting relationship with our library staff.
- Please also be aware that Bellevue University offers a variety of counseling services to students that may be useful if you are suffering from anxiety or stress.
