Autism-Informed Academic Librarians
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2024
Keywords
academic libraries, autism, continuing education, librarians, postsecondary education, professional development
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
10.1089/aut.2024.0119
Abstract
Background: On college campuses, the academic library can be a place of comfort for some Autistic students. Autistic college students report using the library to explore their interests and as a place to escape a busy campus environment. However, academic librarians are not required to have a formal education about autism or neurodiversity more broadly. Methods: Through content analysis, this study examines sessions presented at the largest biannual conference for academic librarians in the United States to determine if, and how, attendees gain access to autism information. Results: Results indicate that few sessions focus specifically on autism but that the number is growing, especially when included within sessions about neurodiversity more broadly. Additionally, the language used to describe autism is increasingly in alignment with Autistic preferences. Conclusion: Conference sessions about autism and neurodiversity are limited but growing in number and quality. By encouraging more professional development opportunities for academic librarians to learn about autism, college and university students will benefit from more informed librarians and more inclusive library environments.
Was this content written or created while at USF?
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Scholar Commons Citation
Autism in Adulthood, art. 0119
