Overcoming technostress in reference services to adult learners

One of the greatest challenges in delivering reference services to adult learners is technostress. This is a common syndrome among adults generally characterized by feelings of discomfort and unease around computers. Adult learners are particularly vulnerable to technostress because they grew up in a largely pre-computer era. Reference librarians can help alleviate technostress through several means. These include establishing a relaxed, psychologically supportive atmosphere, pacing one's instruction, and using active learning. In attempting to relieve technostress, it is important for librarians to remember that it is not only what is conveyed, but how it is conveyed that is critical.