Some folks are shy

The September/October 2007 issue of Psychology Today has a small item on page 16 that says, “Two studies show that potential helpers…overestimate how often people will approach them, because they underestimate how much asking for assistance challenges people’s self-esteem.” (The two studies are not identified.)

It just serves to remind all of us library workers, and especially the reference librarians, that we need to look up and around more often, to offer rather than wait to be approached. I know I’ve been places–even libraries–where I have been reluctant to ask for help I needed. I wouldn’t have said it was my self-esteem that was in question, but that I hated to bother someone who looked busy or otherwise less than approachable. Whatever the reason, some people will not ask for the help they really need.

An Anthropologist in the Library

The Libraries at the University of Rochester hired an anthropologist to conduct a study on how students do their research and spend their time.  An article from today’s Chronicle of Higher Education provides an overview of the study’s eye-opening results.

Catch up on Your Summer Reading!

Need a good book to read while relaxing on the beach or at home?  Then check out our 2007 popular titles &  best sellers. 

Helping Distance Learners

Frank Christ lists his top ten ways to support elearners, or distance education students, in this report  from Campus Technology.