Open AccessConfident but Lacking Support: School Librarians and Students with Autism
Author(s) -
Amelia Anderson,
Selena J. Layden
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
education libraries
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2376-8711
pISSN - 0148-1061
DOI - 10.26443/el.v44i1.368
Subject(s) - coursework , autism , autism spectrum disorder , psychology , medical education , professional development , school library , special education , pedagogy , library science , medicine , developmental psychology , computer science
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 taken about 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.