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School librarians work with students across their organizations, including those with disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, little is known about how prepared school librarians are to serve these students. Using a mixed-methods survey, this study sought to explore training school librarians have completed regarding ASD and students with disabilities, as well as the effects of training on librarian confidence and library services. Based on results, librarians who received training through their school district or professional development outside of coursework reported being more confident in supporting students with ASD in the school library.

This study was an exploration into how college students with autism spectrum disorder identify and use support systems during the transition to higher education. In particular, this study explored how these students described their experiences within an online environment among their peers. The study used unobtrusive qualitative methods to collect and analyze data on online forum discussion posts from college students with autism spectrum disorder. Results indicated that students found their support systems in various ways. Many report using services provided by their Office of Disability Services, but students must be aware that these services exist first, and often must have a diagnosis to receive such supports. This study makes suggestions for higher education institutions to identify and promote their support services, both those that are accessible through Offices of Disability Services, and those that are available without diagnosis or disclosure.

Over the past two decades, researchers have analyzed the role of disability in liberal arts colleges (LACs). While students find LAC faculty and disability service professionals to be a positive influence in their educational experience, these institutions face some challenges in ensuring the best possible education for students with disabilities and, in particular, autism. Building on previous research on autism in academic libraries and the LACs library context, this study analyzes the results of a survey sent to LAC library leaders across the United States. Findings suggest that LAC libraries are well-positioned to serve autistic college students, given their small student populations and ability to provide personalized service. However, librarians and staff would benefit from more training and a more systematized approach to best meet these students'' needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

School librarians work with students across their organizations, including those with disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, little is known about how prepared school librarians are to serve these students. Using a mixed-methods survey, this study sought to explore training school librarians have completed regarding ASD and students with disabilities, as well as the effects of training on librarian confidence and library services. Based on results, librarians who received training through their school district or professional development outside of coursework reported being more confident in supporting students with ASD in the school library. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding job seeking and workforce experiences of autistic adults in librarianship may help to create more inclusive practices in the field. However, the topic largely remains unexplored. This may be in part due to traditional research practices that do little to encourage meaningful participation from autistic adults. Ten interviews were conducted with autistic librarians in professional and paraprofessional roles about their workforce experiences, using inclusive, accessible measures and providing options for communication and participation. Findings reveal common themes for autistic librarians in the workforce, and also lead to implications for research involving members of the population. Based on findings, guidelines for future research are presented. By moving toward a more accessible, participatory research approach, qualitative studies can gain a better understanding of participants' lived experiences while producing work with practical implications for members of the population itself. • Participatory measures allow autistic adults to participate more meaningfully in qualitative research. • Librarianship can be a rewarding career for some autistic adults, but barriers exist. • Accessible and participatory measures are necessary to understand autistic librarians' workforce experiences. • Guidelines for conducting research with autistic adults are presented based on findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]