The Massachusetts Library System is pleased to announce that we have contracted with ALA to provide our members with access to their live webinars.  These webinars are free to MLS members who register through our calendar.  Please do not register directly with ALA. Members who register directly with ALA are responsible for paying their registration fee. 

Please help us keep MLS sponsored training free for all members. If you are unable to attend the live webinar, please cancel your registration. A cancellation link can be found in your confirmation email, or you may contact Sarah Donnelly at sdonnelly@masslibsystem.org to cancel. 

Please note: This is a THREE-PART webinar series taking place Thursday, November 6, Thursday, November 13 and Thursday, November 20, 2025. Please only register if you can attend all parts. By registering here, you are registering for all dates. 

Description

As neurodiverse students face a growing number of challenges in higher education, academic libraries must evolve to provide inclusive, responsive, and flexible support. This webinar series equips library professionals and educators with actionable strategies to partner with neurodiverse students—those with autism spectrum disorder, PTSD, brain trauma, anxiety, depression, and other cognitive differences—to co-create inclusive environments and services. Drawing from and expounding on the ACRL book Supporting Neurodiverse Students in Academic Libraries, this three-part series offers scalable solutions for institutions of all sizes and budgets.

Part One - Creating a Welcoming Environment for Neurodiverse Users
Thursday, November 3 - 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Central (60 minutes)
Presenters will discuss ways to make the library more accessible for neurodivergent learners. This conversation will lean into the unique insight our neurodivergent colleagues can bring to these discussions as well as look at some concrete suggestions for changes libraries can implement.

Part Two - Creating Accessible Library Resources for Neurodiverse Learners
Thursday, November 13, 2025 - 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Central (60 minutes)
This webcast will examine various ways presenters have created accessible library resources. Their projects range from the creation of UDL instruction to conducting user testing with neurodivergent students.

Part Three - Using Cross-Campus Collaborations to Support Neurodiverse Students
Thursday, November 20, 2025 - 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. Central (60 minutes)
Presenters will discuss how they have utilized cross-campus collaborations to better support their neurodiverse students both in and outside of the library.

Presenters

Part One Presenters: Amy Dye-Reeves, Head of the Library of Architecture, Design, and Construction, Auburn University; Mary Catherine “Cat” Ellis, Health Sciences Librarian, San Diego State University; Moderators: Amanda Boyer, Student Success Librarian, Susquehanna University; Amir EI-Chidiac, Librarian and Instructor, Community College of Philadelphia

Part Two Presenters: Sheryl Burgstahler, Past Director, Accessible Technology Services, University of Washington; Gary Childs, Associate Professor, Engineering (STEM-H) Librarian, West Chester University of Pennsylvania; Kimberly Shotick, Student Success Librarian and Assistant Professor, Northern Illinois University; Moderators: Amanda Boyer, Student Success Librarian, Susquehanna University; Amir EI-Chidiac, Librarian and Instructor, Community College of Philadelphia

Part Three Presenters: Dawn Behrend, Associate Dean of Administrative Services, University of North Florida; Haley Dittbrenner, MLIS Student, Syracuse University; Brett Spencer, Research Librarian, Penn State Berks; Moderators: Amanda Boyer, Student Success Librarian, Susquehanna University; Amir EI-Chidiac, Librarian and Instructor, Community College of Philadelphia

Accessibility Information

If you have questions or requests regarding accessibility, contact ce@ala.org or at 312-280-5100.