Libraries and Autism: We're Connected

A Good Idea

Description

The Scotch Plains Public Library and the Fanwood Memorial Libary joined together to produce a customer-service training video for library staff to be more informed about the autistic population. These videos featured nationwide experts in the field of autism. Additionally, the libraries share a common database of resources available for those with autism, their families, and professionals.

Goal / Mission

This program aims to educate library staff and train workers how to best serve library patrons with autism and their families.

Results / Accomplishments

The project received an award by the American Library Association, co-sponsored by ASCLA (Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies) and the Keystone Library Automation System and the National Organization on Disability. This national award recognizes an innovative and well-organized project which successfully developed or expanded services for people with disabilities.

The video has generated both national and international attention in the library and autism communities.

About this Promising Practice

Organization(s)
Scotch Plains Public Library and Fanwood Memorial Library (NJ).
Primary Contact
Meg Kolaya, Director
Scotch Plains Public Library
1927 Bartle Avenue
Scotch Plains, NJ 07076
908-322-5007
MegandDan@librariesandautism.org
http://www.librariesandautism.org
Topics
Art & Recreation / Libraries & Museums
Education / Literacy
Health / Disabilities
Organization(s)
Scotch Plains Public Library and Fanwood Memorial Library (NJ).
Date of implementation
2008
Target Audience
Families
Additional Audience
librarians, people with autism

A Good Idea meets the following HCI criteria:

  1. The program description includes: the sponsoring organization, program goals, program funding source, program implementation steps and outcomes.
  2. The program evaluation is limited to descriptive measure(s) of success/accomplishment (i.e., program participation rates, number of services/education sessions/radio messages provided). Note: oftentimes, the program has been newly implemented and a program evaluation has not yet been conducted. Programs that have not yet been evaluated, but which show promise in improving health or quality of life, are classified as Good Ideas until an evaluation is conducted.