Working within the Spectrum: Employees with Asperger Syndrome in Our Library
Former Circulation Coordinator Andrea Morris contributed material for this article.
The publisher's version of this article was posted with the permission of ILA Reporter's Editor Robert P. Doyle. The complete issue is available from the Illinois Library Association's website at http://www.ila.org/pub/reporter.htm
Abstract
People on the high-functioning end of the Autism spectrum, such as those with Asperger Syndrome, have capabilities that go beyond routine tasks. Adults with Asperger’s are well suited for complex, multistep jobs involving great attention to detail, such as are found in libraries. In this article, we relate our experiences as the supervisors of two individuals with Asperger Syndrome who began working in our library at Illinois Wesleyan University in summer 2008. We also provide a list of resources for those who may consider employing people on the spectrum.