Autism Works in Libraries: Join the Discussion

Posted on February 27, 2018

Autism Works in Libraries is a global discussion list where librarians, library administrators, paraprofessional library staff, autism services providers, self-advocates and other autism advocates can hold an online conversation to address any issue related to providing library services and programming that best meets the needs of the autism community.  Get a variety of perspectives on such issues as administrative policies, connecting with patrons on the spectrum, adapting programming or changing the physical environment on a limited budget.  Whatever the topic, nearly 80 current members of Autism Works in Libraries are available to offer practical advice and share their knowledge and personal insights.

We need you to add your voice to the conversation!  If you are not currently a member of this discussion list, you can subscribe either by sending an email to Suzanne Schriar of by visiting the Autism Works in Libraries subscription page.

Targeting Autism Connects People & Resources: A personal account

Posted on September 1, 2017 Updated on September 1, 2017

Rachel Combs (pictured above), Public Services Manager at the University of Kentucky, Science and Engineering Library attended the 2017 Targeting Autism forum hoping to learn more about how she could remove barriers for people with autism and other disabilities in her library. 

 Rachel first became involved with the Targeting Autism project in 2016 while researching resources to help others with an autism diagnosis.  Through her research on the subject of autism and her involvement with Targeting Autism, she has since created a Library Employee Sensitivity Training Video and an expansive LibGuide on the University of Kentucky’s website.  The training video has been shared university-wide and is slated for use in training library assistants at the university.

But the best part of all, claims Rachel, was the opportunity to share with and learn from other professionals in her field at the forum.

 Read Rachel’s story, posted September1, 2017, here. 

If you have a personal impact testimony that you would like to share, please send it to Suzanne Schriar or Mary Pelich.

Welcome!

Posted on October 22, 2014 Updated on October 22, 2014

The “Targeting Autism Illinois Libraries Blog” was created to provide a virtual space for librarians to connect with one another on issues relating to Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) and libraries. You are encouraged to use this blog to help each other assist the ASD patron population. Here are a just few ideas to help you develop this blog as a useful resource:

1. share services and programming that you offer to your patrons with ASDs.
2. share expertise and resources.
3. discuss specific issues your library has in serving patrons with ASDs.

Finally, Illinois State Library wants to ensure that all issues, priorities and perspectives are addressed in the Institute of Museum and Library Services(IMLS), National Leadership Grant (NLG) “Targeting Autism: A National Forum on Serving Library Patrons on the Spectrum” Your contributions to this blog are one way to ensure that your voice will be heard at the two upcoming forums.

To post items to the blog, please send your content to: Suzanne Schriar at sschriar@ilsos.net.