Best of Core Forum: Neurodiversity in the Academic Library

Description: Neurodiversity within the librarian professional is often neglected as a subject of scholarly conversation. With higher rates of neurodivergent students approaching traditional college-age, it is more important than ever to embrace neurodivergence within the academic library. This starts with fostering an inclusive environment for library staff, faculty, students, and patrons. Hiring a neurodiverse library staff creates a safe space for neurodivergent students through example. Neurodivergent library staff can also work with library administration to incorporate inclusive mental and physical spaces within the library. The concept of the library as a safe-space for college students is a familiar narrative, and this sentiment should be extended to library staff as well.

This webinar was previously presented in-person as a session at the 2024 Core Forum. We are hosting this webinar, with the session adapted and presented live as a virtual event, to extend its reach.

Learning Outcomes: 

By the end of the webinar, attendees will be able to:

• Recognize and consider neurodivergent staff, faculty, and students in daily library workflow
• Use existing library policies and practices to encourage the acceptance and inclusion of neurodivergent staff, faculty, and students
• Provide positive mentorship for neurodivergent students by neurodivergent faculty and staff.

 Who Should Attend: This session targets academic library staff and leaders. However, anyone who works in libraries and insterested in nuerodivergent should attend.

 Presenters:

Corin Sowers & Olivia Davidson 

Tech Requirements