Using humor in library instruction

Abstract

Purpose

To demonstrate that humor can be used as a teaching technique by instruction librarians.

Design/methodology/approach

Since some students have what Constance Mellon refers to as library anxiety, humor can be used as a teaching tool to help reduce this feeling. Using the literature of higher education, this article seeks to provide practical advice on ways to use humor in the library instruction setting.

Findings

The use of real‐life humorous examples demonstrates that teaching librarians can reap the benefits of using humor in the classroom. The article dispels the myth that one must be a comedian to use humor in the classroom.

Practical implications

The teaching librarian can add the use of humor as a teaching tool along with other techniques to assist in reducing library anxiety, promote classroom environment and help students to get more comfortable with the library's many resources.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the discussion on the use of humor in library instruction as one method to help reduce library anxiety in students. It offers practical help to the instruction librarian.

Citation

Walker, B.E. (2006), "Using humor in library instruction", Reference Services Review, Vol. 34 No. 1, pp. 117-128. https://doi.org/10.1108/00907320610648806