Making public libraries more inclusive for neurodiverse customers and staff

Wednesday 8 Feb 2023, 10am-1pm

A CILIP/GLL Training Session for Staff Working in Public Libraries

Online, Half-Day Course

Libraries are open, welcoming, inclusive spaces for local communities. This session looks at steps libraries can take to ensure provision to customers and staff who are neurodivergent.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the importance of inclusion
• Feel confident in understanding the issues of inclusion for people who are neurodiverse
• Manage the library environment to enhance the experience of users and staff
• Feel confident to make positive changes  
  

Alison and Jo have a combined total of 38 years experience of working in public libraries, both customer facing and development work. Jo has frontline experience of customers with neurodivergent needs working in one of the busiest libraries in the UK.  Alison has worked front of house in Lowestoft Library and Ashton Library, Tameside, both of which have a more diverse range of customer needs than some other libraries due to factors such as high deprivation and demographics.

Norfolk Libraries has a strong relationship with Norfolk Public Health and has developed a Healthy Libraries programme, which Alison and Jo have led and developed further. As part of a larger team, Healthy Libraries has included development of a dementia offer and ongoing Autism and Learning difficulty work. Jo is passionate about inclusivity and equal rights. Alison enjoys supporting our local football team.

Professional Knowledge and Skills Base (PKSB)

Venue: Online using Zoom

The course is hosted through our online video conference system. This software is optimal for audience participation and provides free, accessible and remote access. Delegates will be sent details of the Zoom link as part of their joining instructions.

A CILIP Training event, provided for library staff working for GLL and other staff working in public libraries.