Library Anxiety: Library Anxiety Overview

Library Anxiety is a real and prevalent problem for many college students. Library anxiety is the feeling that your skills in connection to research, reading, literary knowledge, and academic ability are inadequate. Negative emotions associated with this type of anxiety include tension, fear, the feeling of being overwhelmed, and mental incompetence.  

In addition to creating a feeling of inadequacy in your skills, knowledge, and abilities, library anxiety can also include a fear of the library’s staff and physical space. Common signs and symptoms of library anxiety includes the following:

• Fear and uneasiness within the physical space of the library, in relation to size, furniture location, lighting, and noise.
• Fear of approaching a librarian or library worker to ask for assistance.
• Fear that you are the only one who does not know the answer.
• Feeling overwhelmed when trying to start library research.

If you find yourself encountering any of these fears, it is important to understand that you are not alone, and that the library, library staff, and instructors are here to help you.

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.

Welcome to the Guide

on Library Anxiety

"Flee While You May.

There is No Escape Beyond These Doors."

We have hundreds of databases, more than half a million books, and thousands of other resources found online and within our movable compact shelving. All this can be intimidating, but at least you don't have to worry about the librarian ghosts.