Inclusive Library Services for Children: Perspectives of Librarians and Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Purpose: For all people, the acquisition of knowledge is essential. Libraries serve as critical institutions that enable individuals to become informed. This study aims to gather insights and perspectives from library staff on the use of libraries by individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families. It also seeks to understand the views and experiences of parents of children with ASD and their interactions with library staff. Method: The study was conducted as a case study, a qualitative research method, and involved using multiple case analyses to achieve the abovementioned aim. Seven librarians and eight parents of children diagnosed with ASD volunteered to participate in the study. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews. The information collected was analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings: The data obtained in the research, which are the seven fundamental principles of childrens' libraries, are "mission and purposes of childrens' libraries, human resources, competencies and knowledge, collection development, and management, programs, and community outreach activities. Design of the space and creating a welcoming place, marketing, promotion, evaluation, and impact" was evaluated. As a result of the analysis revealed the presence of ten themes and subthemes, which were identified as follows: perception of the library," "obstacles to the use of the library," "expectations about the work of the libraries," perception of the staff," "type and characteristics of the material," "expectations about the programs and activities," "services provided in the library," "inclusive interior," information and awareness," "holistic and multiple evaluation." Implications: The perspectives of parents and library staff regarding the identified themes from the data were presented comparatively, and the findings concerning existing literature were discussed. Subsequently, considering the research findings, recommendations are provided regarding potential initiatives libraries can undertake to serve children with ASD and their parents better. Originality: This study highlights potential library benefits for children with ASD and their parents. The findings of this research will likely make an original contribution to the field of library services. The studys' findings are anticipated to help improve library services so that children with ASD and their families can benefit from them. s. In addition, this study is predicted to pioneer and guide new studies on library use by children with ASD and their families.