July 26, 2002

Teaching Students How to Use the Library

To the Editor:

In "Fear of Reference" (The Review, June 14), Barbara Fister wonders why college students are reluctant to ask reference librarians for help with their research assignments. Based on conversations with some graduating seniors, she concludes that students are embarrassed to be seen asking for help -- they feel that they should know how to find the answers on their own and hate admitting that they do not. ...

May I suggest another interpretation of students'