Library and Information Mangement Forum

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Browsing Library and Information Mangement Forum by Author "Anezi Leonard EZEMA"

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    DESIGNING FOR INCLUSION: LIBRARY PROGRAMMES AND SPACES FOR NEURODIVERSE USERS
    (Library and Information Management Forum, 2025) Chimezie Damian OGBUABOR,; Edward C. AMADI,; Anezi Leonard EZEMA
    Supporting neurodiverse individuals in library environments requires more than superficial or occasional accommodations; it necessitates a fundamental rethinking of what accessibility means within public and academic library contexts. Neurodivergence which includes conditions such as autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, and other neurological variations significantly influences how individuals interact with information, spaces, and services. Traditional, one-size-fits-all library programming and design often fail to meet these diverse cognitive and sensory needs. To ensure equitable access, libraries must adopt more flexible, user-centered strategies that accommodate different ways of thinking, learning, and engaging. These may include creating low-stimulation, quiet zones, offering programming in multiple formats, and designing intuitive, customizable digital interfaces. Moreover, involving neurodivergent individuals directly in the planning, evaluation, and delivery of library services helps ensure that those services are truly inclusive and responsive. While these changes aim to support neurodiverse users, the principles of inclusive design benefit the broader user community by enhancing accessibility and usability for all. Positioned as inclusive spaces for learning, connection, and civic engagement, libraries have both the opportunity and the responsibility to lead in fostering inclusive environments that prioritize empathy, equity, and meaningful participation across all user demographics