Seeking Early Literacy for All: An Investigation of Children’s Librarians and Parents of Young Children with Disabilities’ Experiences at the Public Library

Abstract

This qualitative study explores children's librarianship and early literacy in the lives of children with disabilities. Informed by critical disability theory, underpinned by Bronfenbrenner's bioecological development theory, this project was constructed as an interpretive case study. Eleven children's librarians working in western Canada were asked about providing early literacy resources for children with disabilities in their libraries, and fourteen parents of young children with disabilities living in the same region were asked about their children's experiences in public libraries. Scans of twenty ALA-accredited institutions' course offerings and other professional development training opportunities related to early literacy and disability topics provided additional context. Librarians commented on the relative rarity of children with disabilities at their libraries, while parents were seen to be reluctant to approach librarians to discuss their children's needs. The parent interviews revealed a broad range of experiences, as some families found their libraries accommodating and others' experiences were less positive. Even with the very small sample size, the study's findings support a rationale for more responsive, inclusive early literacy experiences for, and research about, young children with disabilities in public libraries today.

Public Libraries and Access for Children with Disabilities and Their Families: A Proposed Inclusive Library Model

“…Although the findings have potential relevance to children with disabilities, research focused directly at public library access and inclusion for children with disabilities is limited. One study undertaken by Prendergast (2016) researched how public librarians provide for and support early literacy development for children with disabilities. She interviewed both public librarians and parents of children with disabilities.…”

“…Prendergast's major findings were: the curriculum in library schools did not prepare librarians to support the needs of children with disabilities and their families; there was a disconnect between librarians and families of children with disabilities; and that outreach played an important role in developing interactions between them. She also commented that collaboration with other professionals, such as speech pathologists working in the area of disability, could bring benefits for librarians and families (Prendergast, 2016).…”

Development of an Online Training Program for Public Library Staff to Deliver Autism Friendly Story Time Sessions

“…those without developmental disorders; for a review see Dickinson, Griffith, Golinkoff, & Hirsh-Pasek, 2012). However, children on the autism spectrum often miss opportunities and experience barriers to participation in community activities such as visiting/participating in library activities and Story Times (Prendergast, 2016;Simpson, Paynter, Wicks, & Westerveld, 2020). At the same time, librarians report a need or desire for more training in the area of both autism and disability more broadly (e.g.…”

“…At the same time, librarians report a need or desire for more training in the area of both autism and disability more broadly (e.g. Kaeding, Velasquez, & Price, 2017;Prendergast, 2016). The goal of this project was to address this need by developing an online autism-friendly Story Times training package for librarians.…”

“…However, children with disabilities, including autism, experience barriers to participation. For example, Prendergast (2016) investigated perspectives of librarians and parents of children with disabilities including autism (8/13 children aged 2-8 years) and found a number of barriers were reported. Librarians emphasised wanting to include children with a range of abilities in Story Time sessions but reported rarely experiencing participation by attendees with obvious disabilities and reported a lack of experience in this area.…”