Partnering Academic Libraries with Campus Post-Secondary Education Programs to Create Equal Access for All 

This presentation will describe the state of Post-Secondary Education (PSE) in the US and the level of engagement with university libraries. The presenters will discuss special education principles behind current library programming and will illustrate best practices for library instruction of those with intellectual disabilities (ID). 

Speakers:

Leah Plocharczyk 
Florida Atlantic University Libraries, John D. MacArthur Campus, Jupiter 
[email protected]

Leah Plocharczyk is a University Librarian and the Director of the John D. MacArthur Campus Library at Florida Atlantic University's Jupiter campus. She is active in mentoring students, as well as leadership and library outreach. Her publications include articles on library collaboration with marine mammal stranding networks and conflict management within libraries, and a book about the importance of library book clubs as educational tools for adults with ID. Her interests include providing literacy and socialization opportunities to underserved and marginalized populations.

Matthew Conner 
University of California at Davis 
[email protected]

Matthew Conner is the author of The New University Library:  4 Case Studies (ALA, 2014) and co-author of Libraries and Reading:  Intellectual Disability and the Extent of Library Diversity (Emerald, 2020).  He is also the former President of the Librarians Association of the University of California.  Currently, he works as Student Services Librarian at the University of California, Davis.

Track:

Academic