Are Librarians Prepared to Serve Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder? A Content Analysis of Graduate Programs

Abstract

Libraries provide invaluable services and supports to members of their communities, including school communities. Those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can receive particular benefits from their libraries, including supports in the areas of academics, social skills, communication, technology, literacy, leisure skills, and even employment skills. Additionally, librarians have reported ASD as the highest disability area they are asked to accommodate. In addition, school librarians have requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (2004) to support students they serve in their setting. While professional librarians are prepared for their field through high-quality accredited programs, very few programs provide coursework specific to individuals with disabilities and even fewer with any coursework in the area of ASD. This study utilized content analysis to review 90 librarian preparation programs yielding only five course syllabi from four universities that include courses in supporting individuals with disabilities. Only two of the five courses reviewed included information about individuals with ASD specifically. This study identifies a gap in training for preservice librarians that contributes to the needs already expressed by those in the field.