by Kathleen Hegarty, Chair, ASCLA Awards Committee At the ALA Midwinter Conference, the ASCLA Awards Committee selected as the winner of the ASCLA/KLAS/NOD Award “Libraries and Autism: We’re Connected,” a remarkable project developed by Margaret Kolaya, director of the Scotch Plains Public Library, and Daniel Weiss, director of the Fanwood Memorial Library, both in New Jersey. This extraordinary initiative employs a sophisticated, yet user-friendly website, www.thejointlibrary.org/autism, to impart information on the autism spectrum disorder through text and electronic media and, most notably, to train librarians to reach out to and serve people with autism. The website includes numerous citations to print and non-print materials, websites, and organizations concerned with the autism spectrum. Special features include an Autism Overview PowerPoint presentation and a 19-minute customer service training video, both of which are downloadable. The video demonstrates some behavioral patterns exhibited by people with autism and shows techniques that librarians can use to respond positively, making these patrons feel welcome in the library. Supplementing the video are a list of workshop consultants and a workshop evaluation form. Other supportive materials include: a decal with the “Libraries and Autism: We’re Connected” logo for mounting on the library door or window, circular and rectangular … Continue reading ASLCA/KLAS/NOD Award Goes To “Libraries and Autism: We’re Connected”