Bibliotheksangst bei Bibliotheksstudierenden

Ergebnisse aus drei Fokusgruppen

Abstract

Library anxiety refers to feelings of uncertainty and anxiety that can arise when using libraries. While this phenomenon has been widely studied internationally, no comparable research has been conducted in Germany so far. For a bachelor thesis, focus group interviews were used to investigate whether library anxiety also occurs among library science students in Germany. It explores how library anxiety manifests itself, which factors influence their experiences and whether there are differences between public and academic libraries. The findings indicate that library anxiety is also present among library science students in Germany. However, not all of them are affected by these feelings of insecurity or anxiety; some associate libraries primarily with positive emotions. Key factors influencing participants’ experiences include the atmosphere in the library, the spatial design and architecture, familiarity with the respective library and the library staff. Academic libraries tend to be associated with more uncertainty than public libraries. Prior experience and library-related knowledge are seen to facilitate library use, but can also create pressure among some participants, who may feel expected to possess an especially high level of library expertise because they study library science. The findings provide a foundation for better understanding patrons’ uncertainties and developing targeted measures to reduce library anxiety.