Date
Tuesday, July 16, 2024
Session Type
General: 60 min
Name
Academic Libraries as (In)Equitable Workplaces: Voices of Disabled and Neurodiverse Librarians
Description

Despite progress in improving diversity, equity, and accessibility in academic libraries, much work is still needed to be inclusive of disabled and neurodiverse library employees. Based on findings from a federally funded study about the experiences of disabled and neurodiverse LIS graduates, librarians, educators, and administrators from three American universities will offer a 60-min interactive workshop. We will use Expectation & Learning Impact Framework (ELIF) principles (Dali, Bell & Valdes 2021) and engage attendees in learning about the types of disabilities and neurodiversity common in academic library workplaces; barriers faced by disabled and neurodivergent LIS job seekers; narratives of experiences, struggles, and triumphs; and suggestions for making academic libraries more inclusive workplaces (practice & policy). The session will emphasize study participants’ own voices and engage workshop attendees in interactive activities that will attend to cognitive, behavioral, personal, social, & emotional aspects of learning (i.e., ELIF) for optimal learning impact. Through the use of technology (Kahoot!) and collaborative interactive storytelling (scenario activities), participants will gain new knowledge; derive practical advice for their workplaces; explore developing empathy toward disabled and neurodiverse colleagues and job applicants; examine their own perspectives on the subject; and contemplate collaborative workplace efforts for a more inclusive environment.

Track
Accessibility