Increasing accessibility of library services for adults with ADHD and autism

Access to library services is important to all, to improve wellbeing and societal outcomes, and for the provision of services that are beneficial to participation in modern society. Equity of access is a core library value, and yet there are common unaddressed accessibility issues within libraries. There has been little research completed into library service accessibility for autistic adults and those with ADHD, despite the fact that they form a not insignificant part of the population – 3-4% in the UK have ADHD, and 1-2% are autistic. These individuals are more likely to be vulnerable and therefore in greater need of the services libraries can provide. This study aims to partially address the lack of research into this topic and give a list of recommendations for accommodations to increase accessibility to library services for autistic people and those with ADHD. A survey was conducted of adults over 18 with autism and/or ADHD regarding opinions of libraries. It was designed to find out what is important to them when using libraries, what barriers they face, and what they believe can be done to overturn these barriers and improve access. Light and sound were the most important factors in people's access to libraries. Fluorescent lights were overwhelmingly bad, with 62% of respondents believing that non-fluorescent lighting would improve their access to and experience of library services to at least some extent. Noise was also an important factor – 64% thought quiet hours would help and 79% quiet spaces, although complete silence was unpopular among some respondents. Two of the more popular accommodations are non-fluorescent lighting and sectioned off varied noise level areas (such as silence, quiet noise, and no restrictions), but there is a list of 21 recommendations in the conclusion of this dissertation, of different types and difficulties to implement.