fye concurrent anxiety final
TRANSCRIPT
International Conference on the First-Year Experience 2008
Alleviating Library Anxiety in First-Year Students
Emily RimlandInformation Literacy LibrarianThe Pennsylvania State University
Information Literacy:The set of skills needed to find, retrieve, analyze, and use information.
(as defined by the Association of College and Research Libraries)
Library Anxiety: Feelings of helplessness, discomfort, and confusion related to the library. Usually caused by library size, not knowing where things are located, not knowing how to begin, or what to do. (Mellon, 1986)
Open House Participants by Class Standing
Open House Survey Highlights
77% of attendees found out about the Open House from their instructors.
50% said they attended the Open House because "I wanted to learn more about the library".
82% participated in the optional, educational activities at the Open House
Survey Responses to: “What did you like best about the Open House?"
The atmospher
e was really nice to see. It
was extremely welcoming
Everyone was really friendly and helpful, it
made the library seem a lot less
intimidating
It allowed me to get acquainted
with the set up of the library to become more comfortable.
The faculty was very involved in the day. I loved
their enthusiasm
I found it very enjoyable and it made
me feel more comfortable about
coming to the library at a later date because
everyone was so helpful.
Without this open house, I doubt I would
ever come to the library unless I was desperate
because I would have no idea where anything is
located.
It was less overwhelming this
way and very helpful. When I come back I'll
know where the information is
relating to my major.
Warm and welcoming
The great welcome that the Library staff gave to the students,
made me feel at home in a place to
receive an education
I've never actually walked
around the whole library and I'm glad I
took the opportunity to
do soI feel more
comfortable in the library
It finally broke the ice
with the library, so i
can use it for studying in the future.
It helped you
navigate better
through the huge
library that is often
intimidating
Walking through the library was a blast, full of colors and prizes, makes me want to stay in the
library forever!
Facebook Application Survey HighlightsMajority of respondents were first-year students
(57%).
Mixed results: half said they used the application and half didn't.Those that did use it, used it to find book and articles.
56% preferred to use the libraries' native web site and the web site had more frequent use than the app (monthly v. at least once)
29% spent an average of 10-30 minutes per day on Facebook and 23% spent 31-60 minutes per day.
Also a mixed bag as far as enhanced features--key seems to be offering something that is social and is not available on libraries' web site.
Responses about presence of librarians on Facebook
Facebook Application Survey Highlights
Quotes from Facebook Survey:
“Library work seems a little more elevated than the social
networking environment.”
“I appreciate the efforts of
librarians to reach out to students.
Librarians, though, are
different than the "library proper"...
I would love to interface with a person through
facebook.”
“I appreciate the efforts of
librarians to reach out to students.
Librarians, though, are
different than the "library proper"...
I would love to interface with a person through
facebook.”