For immediate release | October 9, 2025

New from ACRL - "Navigating Disability in the Academic Library Workplace"

Navigating Disability in the Academic Library Workplace cover

CHICAGO - The Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) announces the publication of "Navigating Disability in the Academic Library Workplace," edited by Paula Martin and Samantha Peter, a guide for librarians with disabilities on supporting and advocating for themselves in the workplace and a resource for able-bodied and neurotypical managers and workers to learn how to be allies.

Approximately 26% of American adults are classified as disabled, meaning many academic librarians live with at least one disability. Much of the literature surrounding disability in libraries, however, focuses on the user rather than the library worker.

"Navigating Disability in the Academic Library Workplace" collects ways that the library can support its workers with disabilities and encourage them to succeed. Chapters examine identities, intersections, The Americans with Disabilities Act, accommodations, advocacy, and collective care practices. Authors generously share their own stories and experiences and offer their own definitions of ableism, disability, intersectionality, and other relevant terms to help capture the diversity and magnitude of identities held by people with disabilities.

"Navigating Disability in the Academic Library Workplace" offers a chorus of voices with different perspectives and provides ideas and resources for individuals with disabilities, supervisors, coworkers, and the profession.

"Navigating Disability in the Academic Library Workplace" is available for purchase in print and as an ebook through the ALA Online Store; in print through Amazon.com; via EBSCO, ProQuest, and other ebook vendors; and by telephone order at (866) 746-7252 in the U.S. or (770) 442-8633 for international customers.

The Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL) is the higher education association for academic libraries and library workers. Representing nearly 8,500 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, Bluesky, Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, and YouTube.

Contact:

Erin Nevius

Content Strategist

ACRL

enevius@ala.org

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