New from ACRL - “Universal Design for Learning in Academic Libraries: Theory into Practice”

CHICAGO – The Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) announces the publication of “Universal Design for Learning in Academic Libraries: Theory into Practice,” edited by Danielle Skaggs and Rachel M. McMullin. It includes lesson plans and strategies for the wide range of instructional activities that occur in academic libraries, including in-person, online, synchronous, asynchronous, and research help, as well as different types of academic library work such as access services and leadership. 

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an educational framework for improving and optimizing teaching and learning. It’s focused on intentionally designing for the needs and abilities of all learners—putting accessibility into the planning stages instead of as an accommodation after the fact—and providing flexibility in the ways students access and engage with materials and learning objectives. 

"Universal Design for Learning in Academic Libraries: Theory into Practice" explores UDL in four parts:

• Theory and Background
• In Instruction and Reference
• Behind the Scenes
• Beyond the Library

Chapters include looks at UDL and U.S. law and policy; working with student disability services to create accessible research services; UDL and the ACRL "Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education" and the Reference and User Services Association’s “Guidelines for Behavioral Performance of Reference and Information Service Providers”; making open educational resources equitable and accessible; and much more. 

"Universal Design for Learning in Academic Libraries" can make learning about UDL and implementing it into your work quicker and easier, and provides ways to become an advocate for UDL inside your library and across campus. 

“Universal Design for Learning in Academic Libraries: Theory into Practice” is available for purchase in print and as an ebook through the ALA Online Store; in print through Amazon.com; and by telephone order at (866) 746-7252 in the U.S. or (770) 442-8633 for international customers. 

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The Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL) is the higher education association for academic libraries and library workers. Representing nearly 8,000 individuals and libraries, ACRL (a division of the American Library Association) develops programs, products, and services to help those working in academic and research libraries learn, innovate, and lead within the academic community. Founded in 1940, ACRL is committed to advancing learning, transforming scholarship, and creating diverse and inclusive communities. Find ACRL on the web, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, and YouTube.