Lessons Learned from Surveying Sensory Support Services in R1 Libraries

Abstract

Objective: Discuss the results and failure of two surveys on the topic of implementing services for sensory processing support.  

Methods: Three members of the University of Nevada, Reno University Libraries’ Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility Committee created a survey to measure the effectiveness of the libraries’ sensory processing items. Challenges from this survey were encountered, including low response rates from patrons using the items. The team pivoted and developed a new survey to send to R1 research institutions to see what kind of programs and items they offered for their neurodivergent communities.

Lessons Learned: The pool of responses for both surveys was too few to draw any conclusions. Limitations of the patron-facing study include low circulation figures that hindered the survey response rate, as well as the lack of interest in disclosing personal information via a survey. Recommendations for improving this survey include additional promotion of the collection to increase usage and consulting with programs that directly work with the neurodivergent population to redesign the study. Limitations for the second survey included promoting the survey to only circulation staff members and the lack of sensory programs within academic libraries. Recommendations include broadening the targeted audience to reach more library staff in other departments and expanding the methodology to include a content analysis of websites.

Conclusion: Both studies experienced a lack of participation that ultimately led to their floundering. There were several potential reasons for this, including issues with study design and promotion. The lessons learned can, however, be applied to future studies of this emerging area. More research on how to identify potential participants and better promote a survey like the ones described in this article, for example, could lead to greater success.