“Library anxiety” and “computer anxiety:” Measures, validity, and research implications

Abstract The phenomena of “library anxiety” and “computer anxiety” have been sometimes hypothesized as emotional responses to new technology. This research investigated the construct validity of two instruments, a Computer Anxiety Index and a Library Anxiety Scale. The criterion measure of anxiety was the Institute for Personality and Ability Testing (IPAT) Anxiety Scale. Undergraduate students enrolled in English, psychology, and philosophy courses participated in the research. For the men, there were no significant correlations between the IPAT and the Computer Anxiety Index or the Library Anxiety Scale. For women, there were significant medium-effect size correlations between the IPAT Anxiety Scale total score and Computer Anxiety Index as well as Library Anxiety Scale scores. Additional analyses are reported, and their implications are discussed.

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