Oblivion Question: How do you use a staff?

[SuaSponte]

I've hacked my way through the game as a fighter. Now I want to start over as a mage. I've got the basics down, but I have a question - how do you use a staff? (I've picked up a few, but have treated them solely as sources of funds.)
Do you swing them at a critter, and they get hit with whatever effect they have, or do you use them to cast a spell?

Sua

[SuaSponte]

Ack, double post. Mods, could you delete this one?

Thanks.

[kaylasdad99]

Ack, double post. Mods, could you delete this one?

Thanks.
I emailed a request for you.

[SkipMagic]

Closing duplicate thread.