Is library anxiety important?

Abstract

The prevalence of library anxiety among college students has been acknowledged by librarians and educators for over a decade. However, there are still people who question whether library anxiety is a real phenomenon. The importance of library anxiety among graduate students is particularly challenged. This study examined the relationship between library anxiety and trait anxiety of 115 graduate students in the United States. Findings revealed that trait anxiety was not significantly related to any of the five dimensions of library anxiety, suggesting that library anxiety is a unique, independent phenomenon. Therefore, library anxiety should be taken seriously. An action‐research approach to addressing library anxiety was recommended.

Citation

Jiao, Q.G. and Onwuegbuzie, A.J. (1999), "Is library anxiety important?", Library Review, Vol. 48 No. 6, pp. 278-282. https://doi.org/10.1108/00242539910283732