Abstract

The academic library, with its long history of student support and social justice advocacy, is the perfect organization to lead the way in dismantling systemic barriers to student success. Research shows that college students who regularly use library services are more successful academically (Shea & Derry, 2022). Another vital support the library can provide is community. Inclusion and belonging are integral to the success of autistic college students: “feeling like part of a community” and “to always feel like I’m welcome [on-campus]” were ways students measured their own success in a study by the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (2020, p. 4). Although the library can be an invaluable support for autistic students, they often face barriers to regular usage, including librarians who lack knowledge of their unique needs and inaccessible instructional sessions (Braumberger, 2021).

At California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly), the authors of this chapter, the Robert E. Kennedy Library’s Foundational Learning and Engagement (FLE) Librarian and the Empowering Autistic Scholars Mentoring & Research Training Program (EAS) Director are collaborating to increase accessibility, engagement, and community for autistic students on our campus. In this chapter, the authors describe their individual roles and contributions in creating welcoming and inclusive library spaces, programming, and learning experiences.

ISBN

979-8892555975

Disciplines

Library and Information Science

Number of Pages

18

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URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/lib_fac/142