This project is an annotated bibliography created for Theoretical Foundations of Service: Diagnosis and Customization (LI802), a class that concentrated on the application of theories to information services. We were encouraged to consider individual behaviors and learning styles when examining user-centered information seeking services. The assignment was to analyze ten scholarly articles about a theory of information-seeking behavior. I chose to investigate Library Anxiety Theory--first identified by Constance Mellon in 1986--because I felt it would contribute to my understanding of the service needs of individuals who are anxious about research and libraries in general.
I chose a mix of qualitative and quantitative studies on library anxiety, which allowed me to learn about research methods in the context of library science. From my research, I learned that refining reference and user services can alleviate distress (library anxiety) in information seekers. The physical design of a library space can also minimize some anxiety in users. Considering these aspects of the library contributed to my understanding of the importance of good administration and management in the library environment.