Stress Relief: Help for the Technophobic Patron from the Reference Desk

Summary Although much has been written on technophobia and how it can be treated, little has been published on how the reference librarian can help. Limiting the time spent introducing new technologies, speaking without using computer jargon, offering instruction through different learning styles, and preparing patrons to deal with the problems they encounter are a few of the strategies the reference librarian can do to help patrons deal with their fear of computers. This article examines and defines technophobia, offers short-term strategies that reference staff can use to alleviate the anxiety of their technophobic patrons, and finally touches upon long-term solutions and changes that can be made within the library environment itself.