Description
In recent years, library professionals have spent hours training on working with neurodivergent patrons. But what about our neurodivergent colleagues? How do we ensure that our workplace is welcoming and supportive of them?
This four-week course focuses on translating awareness of neurodiversity into meaningful, everyday practice for library professionals. Designed for neurodivergent library professionals, colleagues, and those in supervisory roles, the course emphasizes shared responsibility in creating inclusive, supportive, and sustainable work environments.
Participants will explore how to advocate for their own needs, support neurodivergent colleagues, and contribute to a workplace culture that reduces stigma and fosters belonging. Through practical strategies and real-world applications, the course highlights how small, intentional changes in communication, workflows, and policies can improve experiences for both staff and patrons.
Learning Objectives
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Apply a strengths-based understanding of neurodiversity to workplace interactions and library services
- Use practical self-advocacy or allyship strategies to support neurodivergent colleagues and themselves
- Identify and address barriers within workplace culture, communication practices, and policies
- Implement inclusive approaches to meetings, workflows, and services that reduce cognitive and sensory barriers
- Contribute to a more supportive and psychologically safe library environment
Course outline:
Week 1: Understanding Neurodiversity in Everyday Library Work; focus on shared understanding and reframing.
Week 2: Communication, Self-Advocacy, and Allyship; focus on interpersonal strategies; this week will feature a recorded session on neuroinclusive practices across library settings for neurodivergent library professionals.
Week 3: Creating Inclusive Workflows, Services, and Spaces; focus on applying inclusion to practice in the workplace.
Week 4: Building Culture and Sustaining Neuroinclusive Practices; focus on culture, reducing stigma, and sustainable change.
About the Instructor
Dawn Behrend is the Associate Dean of Administrative Services at the University of North Florida. She holds an M.A. in Clinical Psychology, an MBA, and an MLS, and has over 20 years of experience as both a library leader and a licensed mental health professional. Her work focuses on workplace well-being, leadership, and inclusion in libraries, and she delivers workshops, courses, and talks on mental health, neurodiversity, and self-care in library settings. Dawn is active in state and national library professional associations. You can connect with Dawn on LinkedIn or view her online portfolio at https://dvbehrend.wixsite.com/dawnbehrend.
If you have questions or requests regarding accessibility, contact us at ce@ala.org or at 312-280-5100.
