Library Anxiety and Intervention Strategies: Review of Conceptualized Antecedents in Public Service Librarianship

Abstract

This paper investigates the origin of information behavioural studies as it relates to library anxiety. It is a retrospective review of Library Anxiety Scale (LAS). Research design employed in the study is Ex post facto design, as existing theories related to the theme were examined, such as Mellon’s grounded theory of Library Anxiety (LA); Carol Kuhlthau’s Information Search Process (ISP) and its respective cognitive and emotional aspects. The paper reviews history and theoretical basis of library anxiety; The paper also presents Onwuegbuzie, Jiao, and Bostick’s Model of conceptualization of antecedents of library anxiety. Intervention strategies that address the various dimensions of library anxiety are briefly discussed. Psychological and educational implications are equally considered. Authors conclude with recommendations, which include that librarians should organize constant user education and encourage frequent visit by users.