Campus Connections: Partnerships to Strengthen Library Support of Neurodivergent Students

With neurodivergent student support becoming increasingly common and expected on college campuses, sensory rooms are becoming more common. This webinar outlines the process of establishing a sensory room within an academic library, made possible through strategic collaboration and internal funding from a campus partner—without relying on external grants.  

Through advocacy and collaboration, this project shows that limited budgets and competing demands for space can be overcome to create useful spaces for students in need. The sensory room is a reflection of the university’s commitment to promoting health, well-being, and inclusive education for all students.  

The project involved close collaboration with Disability Support Services through all stages of development, as well as interviews with librarians who have successfully funded spaces of their own. The presenters will share practical insights for navigating institutional constraints, securing support, and designing a space that meets diverse sensory needs. Using patron feedback, the presentation will also showcase lessons learned and adjustments made to the space after a year of use. 

By leveraging internal expertise and campus relationships, libraries can play a vital role in creating inclusive environments that promote student success and mental wellness. This case study offers a model for other institutions seeking to implement sensory spaces in academic settings, as well as paths for future expansion of the project, like staff training to support the care of people with neurodivergences, the creation of sensory kits, expansion to additional locations, and sensory mapping of the building as an additional aid for this population.