Academic reference librarians continually observe that many students are embarrassed about not knowing how to use the library and are reluctant to approach the reference desk. The theory of library anxiety offers an explanation, proposing that a fear of being in and using libraries serves as a psychological barrier, hindering many university students from using the library efficiently and effectively. This review integrates the literature on library anxiety and summarises the implications for academic reference services. It is based on a literature review submitted in partial fulfilment of the Master in Library and Information Management at Charles Sturt University. (Contains 59 notes and 1 table.)