This fee-based book is available from ALA’s Book Shop. A very interesting topic!

The Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) announces the publication of a new title, “Library Rx: Measuring and Treating Library Anxiety” by Martina Malvasi, Catherine Rudowsky and Jesus M. Valencia.

“Library Rx” presents research findings on library anxiety in college and university students. There is strong evidence that library anxiety, the inadequate feeling students have when lost in overwhelming buildings that present mountains of information in all formats and professionals who may seem busy and unapproachable, has a negative impact on undergraduate student performance. The authors review existing research on student reactions to the library environment, describe the finding of a research project on library anxiety and present ideas for its treatment.

Malvasi, Rudowsky and Valencia compare and test various treatments for library anxiety, including traditional instruction, online tutorials and one-on-one teaching moments, as well as the effects of no library intervention or treatment at all. Using statistical analysis, the effectiveness of the various treatment methods is presented. In addition, anecdotal evidence of library initiatives and events used to reduce library anxiety is provided. “Library Rx” prescribes relevant solutions for library anxiety in all types of academic libraries.

Look for sales information at the bottom of the ALA/ACRL post here.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009 and is filed under Information Literacy, Information Seeking, Libraries and Librarianship. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.