Supporting students on the autism spectrum : a practical guide for academic libraries

Title:

Author:

McMullin, Rachel M. author

ISBN:

9781440863967

Publication:

Santa Barbara, California : Libraries Unlimited, an imprint of ABC-CLIO, LLC, [2019]

Physical Description:

xvi, 144 pages ; 24 cm

Contents:

Autism spectrum disorder: what librarians and staff need to know -- Sensory issues, physical environment, and library spaces -- Research help (and beyond) -- Library instruction -- Student employees with ASD in the library -- Outreach, support, and staff training: working across campus to support students with ASD.

Subject Term:

Libraries and the developmentally disabled.

Academic libraries -- Services to people with disabilities.

Autism spectrum disorders.

Academic libraries -- Services to people with disabilities. (OCoLC)fst00795072

Autism spectrum disorders. (OCoLC)fst01747518

Libraries and the developmentally disabled. (OCoLC)fst00997589

Local Subject:

LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE COLLECTION

Added Author:

Walton, Kerry R.

Other Format:

Online version: McMullin, Rachel M., author. Supporting students on the autism spectrum Santa Barbara : Libraries Unlimited, [2019] 9781440863974 (DLC) 2019010073

Available:

Library	Call Number	Material Type	Status
Searching... State Library of Oregon	027.663 McMul	4-Week Loan	Searching... Unknown

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Summary

This book will be invaluable for those in the academic library who want to understand how best to serve students on the autism spectrum and how those students can contribute to the library.

As a large number of students on the autism spectrum come of age and enter college, increased awareness of autism spectrum disorder is necessary among those who work in academic libraries so that they can respond to and meet the unique needs of these students.

This book fills a scholarship gap while serving as a practical resource for working with the neurodivergent student population in academic libraries. McMullin and Walton explain issues that are likely to arise when interacting with students on the autism spectrum and offer practical solutions for handling them. They discuss how to work with neurodiverse students in different contexts, including at service points, in the classroom, as employees, and through outreach programs. They highlight possible concerns about the physical environment of the library and demonstrate ways that the library can be an especially positive place for students with ASD. Personal anecdotes from students with autism as well as library faculty and staff round out this valuable work.

Author Notes

Rachel M. McMullin, PhD, MSIS, is associate professor and humanities/information literacy librarian at West Chester University of Pennsylvania.
Kerry R. Walton, MLIS, is assistant professor and electronic resources and instruction librarian at West Chester University of Pennsylvania.

Reviews (1)

Library Journal Review

Students on the autism spectrum are entering the educational system in rising numbers, and libraries must respond in practical terms to this growing population of library users. In this well-organized, enlightening volume, McMullin and Walton, librarians at West Chester University of Pennsylvania, start by discussing how to recognize the needs of people on the autism spectrum and help them navigate the library. The authors cover sensory issues caused by the physical environment and how to provide spaces that benefit all; they also explore research assistance and instruction to aid those on the autism spectrum. Finally, the authors consider how to support student employees who are on the spectrum and give suggestions for outreach and staff training. VERDICT Required reading for all librarians, particularly those in K-12 and academic libraries, and a solid choice for all educational professionals.--Margaret Sylvia, St. Mary's Univ. Lib., San Antonio

Acknowledgments	p. vii
Introduction	p. ix
1 Autism Spectrum Disorder: What Librarians and Staff Need to Know	p. 1
Cognitive Traits and Characteristics	p. 2
Social Skills and Communication Styles	p. 4
Motor Skills and Repetitive Behaviors	p. 6
Needs When Transitioning to College	p. 8
Student Success	p. 11
Conclusion: What Does This Mean for Libraries?	p. 12
2 Sensory Issues, Physical Environment, and Library Spaces	p. 15
How Students with ASD Use the Library	p. 16
Students with ASD and the Physical Library	p. 18
Universal Design in Higher Education: Physical Spaces	p. 20
Providing Spaces to Meet the Needs of Students with ASD	p. 21
Strategies and Ideas	p. 22
Conclusion	p. 26
3 Research Help (and Beyond)	p. 29
Social Aspects of Research Assistance	p. 30
Beyond the Reference Desk	p. 34
Executive Functioning	p. 36
Specific Strategies	p. 38
Conclusion	p. 47
4 Library Instruction	p. 49
Academic Strengths and Weaknesses of Students with ASD	p. 49
Universal Design for Instruction	p. 51
One-Shot Instruction	p. 55
Full/Credit-Bearing Courses	p. 63
Teaching Online	p. 73
Conclusion	p. 76
5 Student Employees with ASD in the Library	p. 79
Job Outlook for Individuals with ASD	p. 80
Students with ASD as Employees	p. 80
Supporting Student Workers with ASD	p. 88
Strategies for Supervisors	p. 89
Conclusion	p. 96
6 Outreach, Support, and Staff Training: Working across Campus to Support Students with ASD	p. 99
The Need for ASD Awareness	p. 100
Academic Accommodations and Supports for Students with ASD	p. 102
Nonacademic Supports for Students with ASD	p. 104
The Role of the Academic Library in Academic and Nonacademic Supports	p. 105
Conclusion	p. 116
Appendix A Handout for Library Employees	p. 121
Appendix B Handout to Help Students Navigate the Library	p. 123
References	p. 125
Index	p. 141

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Summary

Summary

Author Notes

Reviews (1)

Library Journal Review

Table of Contents