Join the Wisconsin Public Library Systems for a Spring Webinar Series focusing on neurodiversity among library staff. Both webinars will be recorded and worth 1 contact hour toward public library certification.
We Are Already Here: The Workplace Experiences of Neurodivergent Library Workers
12 p.m.; Thursday, April 18
Presented by: Christine Moeller (they/she), PhD Candidate, University of Washington iSchool
While libraries are increasingly implementing practices and services designed to serve neurodivergent patrons, such efforts have not yet extended to neurodivergent library employees. This session will share results from an IMLS-funded initiative that highlights the voices of neurodivergent librarians and their journey of negotiating identity as they face barriers and enablers to their success. Participants will also learn about the challenges and strengths of being a neurodivergent supervisor. Neurodivergent librarians are an important part of the profession, so it is imperative that libraries adopt neuroinclusive practices in their workplaces. Join the conversation to learn what to consider at your library!
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Prior to joining the PhD program at the UW iSchool, Christine worked as an academic librarian for seven years, primarily as an instructional design librarian. Their own experiences and the experiences of their colleagues led them to research the barriers to workplace inclusion experienced by disabled academic librarians, including resilience narratives, stereotypes, and professionalism discourse. Building on this research, they are now investigating the experiences of neurodivergent librarians with the goal of making libraries and eventually other workplaces (like academia itself) more inclusive of neurodivergent people like themself.
For Managers & Supervisors: Cultivating an Inclusive Workplace for Neurodivergent Staff
1 p.m.; Tuesday, May 7
Presented by: Renee Grassi, Director, Lake Bluff Public Library
Library managers and supervisors are responsible for creating a welcoming, supportive, and safe environment for the staff and teams they supervise. In this webinar, gain an understanding of the term neurodiversity and learn about the strengths of those who are neurodiverse. Learn from real-life workplace scenarios and gain practical strategies and tools for supporting inclusion of the neurodivergent volunteers and employees in your organization.
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Author, trainer, librarian, teacher, and accessibility consultant Renee Grassi is an advocate for equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in libraries, schools, and communities. Renee has worked in public libraries for over 17 years, developing award-winning library initiatives that welcome, support, and welcome disabled residents and their families and caregivers. Renee is Library Director at Lake Bluff Public Library in the suburb of Lake Bluff, Illinois — just 40 minutes north of Chicago depending on traffic. Learn more at reneegrassi.com.
This webinar series was made possible thanks to the Wisconsin Department of Instruction (DPI) Public Library Development Team, with funding support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.