Fear at First Sight: Library Anxiety, Race, and Nova Scotia

Abstract

Multidisciplinary research and services have attempted to decrease educational barriersand increase university success for African Canadian students. However, these efforts have put limited focus on the influence of academic libraries on student success. This study examined racial differences in library anxiety and the coping methods undergraduates used in Nova Scotia, Canada. To examine student experiences, this study used a mixed-methods approach with surveys and interviews. In the preliminary phase, survey findings demonstrated no significant racial difference. The interview phase revealed that African Nova Scotian undergraduates experienced lower library anxiety than Caucasian Nova Scotians. Specifically, African Nova Scotians expressed comfort interacting with their community and public libraries prior to attending university. While attending university, their initial reaction was overwhelmingly positive, reflecting their previous experiences with community libraries. However, throughout their degree programs their library anxiety increased when faced with barriers, particularly with staff. In contrast, the interviews revealed that Caucasian Nova Scotian undergraduates experienced higher levels of discomfort and anxiety during their pre-university interactions with public libraries and throughout their university programs. Based on the findings, this study contributes to a racial and Canadian context rarely discussed in Library and Information Science. This exploratory study recognized inclusive practices and spaces as methods that librarians and staff can use to alleviate library anxiety. These practices and spaces are particularly significant in lowering library anxiety for African Nova Scotian students and should continue in order to assure a successful transition into university for these students.