Libraries and Autism: We're Connected

From the Libraries and Autism: We're Connected Website

"The Scotch Plains Public Library and the Fanwood Memorial Library, together with our partners, produced a customer service training video primarily for library staff to help them serve individuals with autism and their families more effectively. The video focuses on what you need to know about autism and will empower you with specific techniques to offer more inclusive service to this growing and underserved population."

I recently had the good fortune to attend the NMRLS* day-long training on “Libraries and Autism: We’re Connected” at the Reading Public Library on January 28. Inspired by what I learned at this workshop, I coordinated a follow-up training for staff of WMRLS member libraries on Tuesday, February 23. Our WMRLS program was a joint collaboration with the Community Resources for People with Autism, a organization that provides support, information, and practical help for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their families living in western Massachusetts. Jason Litto, Family Support Manager of Community Resources for People with Autism, served as our guest specialist and provided invaluable amplification on the Joint Libraries’ Autism PowerPoint and Video Staff Training Resources. By holding our program at the Community Resources for People with Autism Center, our librarian participants also benefited by a tour of this facility and an overview of the services that Jason and his colleagues provide.

~ Janet Eckert, WMRLS

*NMRLS is currently administering an LSTA grant project  on Serving Children With Autism

Work Like A Patron Day

Brian Herzog, a reference librarian at the Chelmsford Public Library, is the author of the blog, Swiss Army Librarian or, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Fear and Loathing at a Public Library Reference Desk. With colleagues at the Chelmsford Public Library, Brian recently celebrated "Work Like a Patron Day" in which staff experience the library from the patron's point of view.

Must Reading is Brian's Work Like A Patron Day Proposal (excerpt below) and Event Recap.

"I’m proposing “Work Like A Patron Day” on October 15th. In honor of the day, I think library staff should (when possible):

• enter and leave the library through the public entrance (not the staff doors)
• use the public restrooms
• use the public computers to do your work
• reserve public meeting rooms for meetings
• follow all library policies"

Marketing as a Team Sport

Looking for a library communications checklist?
Interested in building a communication plan?
Want to read about some really good library marketing ideas?

If so, read Marketing as a Team Sport!

The document Marketing as A Team Sport complements a workshop conducted by Peggy Barber, Library Communication Strategites, for the Alaska Library Association on February 24, 2006

~ Janet Eckert, WMRLS

Clip Art from LibraryClipArt.com