"This Is a Quiet Library, Except When It's Not:" On the Lack of Neurodiversity Awareness in Librarianship. (3rd April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tumlin, Zachary
• Is Part Of: Music reference services quarterly. Volume 22:Number 1/2(2019)
• Page Start: 3
• Page End: 17
• Publication Date: 2019-04-03
• Subjects: Disability studies–neurodiversity -- Disability studies–autism -- Librarianship–music librarianship -- Librarianship–performing arts librarianship; Music libraries -- Periodicals; Music -- Periodicals; Reference services (Libraries) -- Periodicals; 026.78
• DOI: 10.1080/10588167.2019.1575017
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1058-8167

Abstract

ABSTRACT: While much has been written about diversity, disability, and specific neurominorities in information studies and music, the subject of neurodiversity as a whole has remained relatively untouched since it first appeared 20 years ago. This paper briefly reviews what few pieces do exist, then begins to fill that gap by laying a foundation for future scholarship. The history and vocabulary of neurodiversity are outlined, concepts from Disability Studies are introduced (like identity-first language and models of disability), and neurodivergent voices (besides the author's own) are promoted. The author would like to state that as a neurodivergent person, his writing style may not meet traditional (i.e., neurotypical) standards, especially those in academia, which can be a particularly exclusionary and ableist environment. While he does not wish to be a "bad writer, " he also does not believe in altering his authentic, disabled voice simply to make it more palatable for the able-bodied and minded. He would like to thank the editors of this journal for their inclusivity and encourage readers to always seek out and privilege the voices of self-advocates over advocates.