Don't Panic! Using the Library for Academic Success: Home

If you feel library anxiety, you are not alone! As many as 85% of students experience fear when approaching the library. How can you overcome this feeling? Understanding the library and using the following tips can help you overcome your fear. 

• Understand the research process. Asking for help is a part of the research process. By knowing the steps, you can reduce fear of the unknown. Check out our library tutorials for guidance on everything from narrowing a topic, search strategies, and evaluating sources.
• Explore the library. Familiarize yourself with the space before you visit for research. This can help you feel more physically comfortable in the library. Review our Accessibility and Accommodations page for more information for people with disabilities.
• Know your librarians. Your subject librarian can help point you in the right direction for your research. Help is available 24/7.
• Recognize your own strengths and talents. You already have your own talents and life experience to draw on. Think about how these unique strengths can help you in the research process to build confidence. 
• Talk to someone. Consider asking a friend to come with you to the library, or ask your instructor for guidance. 
• Check out our virtual resources. Our website, email, and 24/7 chat service are available to help you look for information before you visit or for students in online programs. We also have online research guides for every program of study at St. Kate's.
• Take deep breaths. You will likely need a lot of time to complete your research project. That's okay! Slowing down and taking a few calming breaths can help you relax and focus.
• Read the articles or books listed below for more tips!

Library anxiety may be a specific fear that is isolated to using the library, or it may be related to other anxieties in your life. The St. Kate's Library offers anxiety-relieving activities several times during the semester. Check our calendar for dates and times for the following. 

• Therapy animals: The Library occasionally hosts study breaks with a variety of therapy animals (dogs, cats, and even a miniature horse!).
• DeStress Fest: Finals week activities to help you de-stress. 

The Library also provides space for Let's Talk! You can meet with a St. Kate's counselor for an brief confidential consultation in Library Room 127D, Monday-Friday, 1:00-2:00 pm. No scheduling necessary, just drop in! You can also request a virtual Let's Talk meeting here. 

Visit the St. Kate's Counseling Center for counseling and mental health services. In addition to on-campus and off-campus counseling resources, the counseling center offers resources for mental health and wellness, anxiety relief, and test anxiety. Check out links for some of the resources below: 

• Mental Health Resource Guide: Find resources on a variety of topics, including overthinking, stress relief, and test anxiety. 
• Guided Meditation: A 10-minute guided meditation for self-love and compassion
• Podcasts: The Counseling Center's recommendations for podcasts on a variety of mental health topics. 

For urgent mental health support, contact a mental health emergency resource such as:

• St. Kate's 24/7/365 Crisis Counseling line (in partnership with ProtoCall): dial 651-690-6805 and press 1 at the prompt
• Ramsey County Urgent Care for Adult Mental Health (651-266-7900)
• The National Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741)
• National Suicide Prevention Hotline 800-273-8255.

Image: Watterson, B. (1988). [Cartoon]. Something under the bed is drooling. Andrews and McMeel.

Librarians are often portrayed in media as strict, humorless, and intimidating. Perhaps you've even had a prior library experience where you were shushed, judged for an overdue book, or otherwise scolded. Having a bad experience can make it hard to ask for help again. 

Whether you've been influenced by librarian portrayals in popular culture, a negative prior experience or you're simply intimidated to talk to a new librarian, it can help to remember that librarians are not stereotypes. You will always receive friendly help at the St. Kate's library.