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Module 6: Targeting Autism in Libraries
Welcome to Project ENABLE Training Initial Assessment Module 1: Disability Awareness Module 2: Disability Law & Policy Module 3: Creating an Accessible Library Module 4: Planning Inclusive Programs and Instruction Module 5: Assistive Technology in Libraries Module 6: Targeting Autism in Libraries Final Assessment Training Resources
Module Introduction
Autism Pre-Test
Topic 1: What is Autism?
Topic 2: Diagnosis and Characteristics of Autism
Topic 3: Creating an Autism-Friendly Library
Topic 4: Autism-Friendly Library and Information Programs, Services and Resources
Topic 5: Partnering with the Greater Community to Support Children and Adults with Autism
Community Needs Assessments
Why it Matters: The Importance of Conducting a Community Needs Assessment
Defining Stakeholders
How to Identify Stakeholders
Data Collection
Who Can You Ask?
Conducting a SWOT
How to Interpret Data
Community Partners
Why and how should I create a partnership?
Community Partners related to Autism
Filling in the Gaps
What is Already Being Done?
What Needs to Be Done?
Resources
Community Resources for Librarians
Resources For People With ASD and Their Families You Should Know About
College and Career Information for People with ASD
Summary
References
Topic 5 Quiz
Topic 6: Library Support and Opportunities: Employment of People on the Spectrum
Autism Post-Test

Community Needs Assessments

Community Needs Assessments

Topic 5: Community Needs Assessments

What is a Community Needs Assessment?

 

In Topic 3 you learned how to create an autism-friendly library, and its information programs, services and resources. When thinking about how to best serve your patrons, including those with autism, you must first find out what long-term goals and needs of your community currently exist, especially in the ASD community. For example, people in your community might want to create a way for parents of teens with autism to communicate with each other and share ideas and useful resources. Additionally, the assessment can identify community needs and then develop goals for the community. 

 

One of the first places to start should be conducting a community needs assessment. The Idaho Commission for Libraries states that:

 

"A needs assessment process reveals the influences acting on the library. Information collected shapes the services and programs that best fit the library's strengths and budget. Ultimately, it informs a vision for future development."

 

Using information gathered through a needs assessment, libraries can review programs, resources, and facilities for modification that may better meet these needs and be supported by the community. If resources need to be added, community input is important and can be used to initiate the planning process (Idaho Commission for Libraries, 2017). This involves conducting in depth research. Throughout this research data is collected, making the needs assessment possible.

Watch the following brief video (approximately 2 minutes) about comprehensive needs assessments. 

ACTIVITY #1: When conducting a community needs assessment, it is important to make predictions, but not assumptions. As a community member, what do you think the needs are? What do you wish to see more of? If you were participating in a survey on how to improve library services, programs, and/or resources in your community, what would you suggest? Think about what you personally want to see in your library and community. Be careful not to make assumptions, as doing so will mislead you. Rather, think about what evidence you have to support your claims.

Reference

Idaho Commission for Libraries. (2017). Needs assessment. Retrieved from

http://libraries.idaho.gov/page/needs-assessment.

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