Beyond Sensory Story Time: An Intersectional Analysis of Information Seeking Among Parents of Autistic Individuals

Abstract

Public libraries are often referred to as community anchors—boundary-spanning institutions (Williams 2002) ideally positioned to inform, empower, and connect citizens in local communities. Despite American Library Association (ALA) and Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) statements explicitly valuing diversity, inclusivity, and equitable access, people with disabilities (PWD) and their families are often excluded from meaningful use of, and engagement with, local libraries. For a large portion of the autism community, the library does not provide meaningful services or information beyond early childhood and can be perceived as an unsafe space for adults with autism. This article presents secondary analysis of a survey of 635 parents of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in the state of North Carolina, as well as an intersectional analysis of race, gender, disability, and information behavior. It also discusses the implications of these findings for library planning.