Library e-induction: alleviating anxiety with digital doughnuts: a case study

Abstract This case study will explore some innovative methods of library induction at a higher education library in the UK, Southampton Solent University, looking particularly at e-induction and alternative approaches to the management of library anxiety. The induction programme includes features that are modular, interactive and - most particularly -student centred. They cater for a variety of preferences, including video, audio, text based and multi-media options. The variety of approaches taken by the Library’s blended induction package will be demonstrated. From the standard type of induction such as physical, virtual, self-guided and audio tours, to the perhaps ‘less usual’ including an alternative library with roof garden and doughnut machine. We will reflect on how all these approaches have worked together to assist new library users make the step up to this part of their information literate lives. In particular we would wish to differentiate between options appropriate to the induction stage, at which students are overcoming initial emotional barriers created by anxiety, and later stages when they are more receptive to, and better able to benefit from, in-depth e-literacy training. How this fits into the wider University “spiral induction programme” - a recently introduced system of spreading university induction over a number of weeks rather than cramming everything into a few hectic days - will also be considered. In addition we will explore possible further research avenues such as ‘the doughnut line’ (a statistical measure) and a game based interactive learning experience designed to help overcome library anxiety.