Surviving Library Anxiety

Many students are put off by the size and complexity of the library, and the number of resources we have. Here are several things to remember that will help you:

• You don't have to be an expert to use the library, only willing to learn.
• There are no "dumb" questions, only unasked ones. Save time by asking questions early.
• You don't have to stop being afraid, but you can start to be brave. Come in with a study partner or friend, if that helps.
• You will only be dealing with a small part of the library and its materials at any given moment, and you don't have to understand it all at once. There is a system to it, which is more evident with practice.
• Most of the time, the process is cyclical or iterative, not linear. In other words, you try something, it works moderately well, you go back and alter your strategy a bit and try again.
• Practice improves performance (you don't have to be perfect).
• Start early to give yourself time and mental room to adjust.
• Ask for help-- from friends, from instructors, and from the librarians at the Reference Desk. Visit, call (x56645) or email refer@uark.edu. We are here to help you.

Spirals, a symbol of confusion to some people now, were probably a religious symbol, as well as a decorative element, to ancient peoples. They may symbolize the journey inward (Liungman, Dictionary of Symbols, 1991, and others).

Home

University home page | Libraries' home page