Library Anxiety Among The Students Of Jamia Millia Islamia: A Survey

Abstract

Library anxiety is discomfort and emotional distress experienced in library environments, influencing cognition, emotions and behavior. This study investigates library anxiety among students at University using a survey approach. A total of 138 students participated, selected through a stratified random sampling method involving undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) students from Jamia Millia Islamia (A central University in India). The research employed a modified and validated version of the Bostick’s Library Anxiety Scale, originally developed by Anwar, Al-Kandari and Al-Qallaff in 2004, with permission obtained. The scale consists of 32 items categorized into four groups. The questionnaire included two parts: the first focused on demographic variables, and the second on the Library Anxiety Scale. Respondents rated their responses on a five-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Levels of library anxiety classified as No, Low, Mild, Moderate, and Severe' were determined based on criteria established by Anwar et al. (2004). Statistical analyses, such as independent sample t-tests and one-way ANOVA, were performed using MS-Excel and Jamovi to evaluate significance.