Focusing on Autism

For every 150 patrons at your public library, chances are that one has autism—and most librarians don't have the experience to deal with them. That's why the Scotch Plains Public Library and the Fanwood Memorial Library, both in New Jersey, produced a customer-service training video for its staffers to better serve those with autism and their families.

The video focuses on what librarians need to know about autism spectrum disorder and offers specific techniques on how to be more inclusive and comprehensive when interacting with this growing, yet underserved, population.

The two libraries featured in the video—as well as local school library media specialists—received training from experts such as Linda Meyer, executive director of the New Jersey Center for Outreach and Services for the Autism Community; Jill Harris, director of Psychology and Coordinator of the Autism Center of Excellence at Children's Specialized Hospital; and Adrienne Robertiello, founder of Community Partnership for People with Autism.

As a result of this training, the two libraries now display “Libraries and Autism: We're Connected” decals on their front doors to alert the community to their staff's newly heightened awareness and willingness to provide more inclusive service. Additionally, the two libraries—which share a combined database—have developed a large, up-to-date collection of resources available to assist the many individuals, families, and professionals who have or are dealing with autism.

A Web site (www.thejointlibrary.org/autism) was created to share valuable information and tools. The video, also available on YouTube, is beginning to generate national and international attention from both libraries and those in the autism community.

“It was about time that the community got involved in such an important topic,” wrote one parent in an online survey.