ABOUT THIS BOOK

Foreword by Barbara Klipper

Since the first edition of this landmark guide was published, there has been increased interest in services for library patrons on the autism spectrum; indeed, more people of all ages now self-identify as autistic. Those who understand the unique characteristics of autistic young people know that ordinary library programming guides are not up to the task of effectively serving these library users. Well qualified to speak to this need, Anderson is an educator, library researcher, and former public librarian who has helped to develop two IMLS funded initiatives that train library workers to better understand and serve autistic patrons. Here, she offers librarians who work with children and teens in both public library and K-12 educational settings an updated, comprehensive resource that includes

an updated introduction to the basics of autism, including language, symbolism, and best practices in the library rooted in the principles of Universal Design;

step-by-step programs from librarians across the country, adaptable for both public and school library settings, that are cost-effective and easy to replicate;

contributions from autistic self-advocates throughout the text, demonstrating that the program ideas included are truly designed with their preferences in mind;

suggestions for securing funding and establishing partnerships with community organizations; and

many helpful appendices, with handy resources for training and education, building a collection, storytimes, sensory integration activities, and a “Tips for a Successful Library Visit” template.

AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY

Amelia Anderson, PhD, is an assistant professor of library science at Old Dominion University who has extensive experience on the topic of autism and libraries through her work as a public librarian, library researcher, and educator. Amelia has worked to develop training for librarians to better understand and serve their users on the autism spectrum through two IMLS funded initiatives, Project PALS and Project A+. Through original research and partnerships with autism self-advocates, she studies and shares best practices and trends at the intersection of autism and libraries and has presented her work at conferences from local to international audiences.

REVIEWS

"Anderson's guidance is helpful and practical. Libraries that own the first edition and have already commenced programming will welcome this enhanced version. Librarians considering their first steps will find ample professional and personal support."
— Booklist

"One of the key features of this second edition is that it includes autistic voices and a range of resource driven appendices. Throughout the book, there are featured sections in which autistic librarians describe their opinions and experiences with library programs for autistic children and teens. This book also extensively describes best practices for how to make public library services for children and youth more inclusive, not just for users with ASD, but for all neurodiverse people and individuals with developmental disabilities ... [This book] unequivocally achieves its purpose of providing guidance, best practices, and examples of successful library services for autistic children and youth to public and school librarians and library staff. I would highly recommend any public librarians and staff read this book before starting to offer library services and programs for children and youth with autism."
— The International Journal of Information, Diversity, & Inclusion

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Foreword by Barbara Klipper
Acknowledgments
Introduction
How to Use This Book

Chapter 1   What Is Autism?
Chapter 2   Decisions to Make
Chapter 3   Best Practices
Chapter 4   Storytime Programs for Young Children
Chapter 5   Programming for School-Age Children
Chapter 6   Programming for Teens
Chapter 7   Programming for Families
Chapter 8   Programming in School Libraries

Appendixes

Appendix A: Training and Education
Appendix B: Recommended Resources for Intersectional Practice
Appendix C: Building Your Collection
Appendix D: Potential Funding Sources for Programs
Appendix E: Resources for Program Support
Appendix F: Sensory Integration Activities
Appendix G: Keys to a Successful Library Visit

About the Contributors
Index