Here are tools that we hope will help other libraries develop sensory-friendly spaces. Check back frequently as we’ll keep adding links as our projects unfold!
Items for Sensory Rooms:
Some basic signage from a display of sensory items when the sensory project debuted at Penn State Berks. We now post signage like this in sensory rooms to send a message of belonging to neurodiverse students and destigmatize stimming.
Sensory Room & Kit Starter Items
A basic list of technologies and other items, with Amazon links, that can help jumpstart a sensory initiative at your library.
Articles & News about Libraries with Sensory Kits or Rooms:
General
Weintraub, K. (2020, Feb. 1). Room with an ‘ahh’: Colleges are giving students their own space to decompress: Sensory rooms offer an oasis of serenity for students with anxiety, ADHD — or everyday stress. The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/room-with-an-ahh-colleges-are-giving-students-their-own-space-to-decompress/2020/01/31/dde62b20-444c-11ea-b5fc-eefa848cde99_story.html
Penn State
Fredericksen, M., Mello, C., & Spencer, B. (2024). From stress to serenity: Investigating the sensory room’s effects on student life [Poster presentation]. Eastern Psychological Association Conference, Philadelphia, PA, United States. https://scholarsphere.psu.edu/resources/98f347a1-b50d-47ea-914c-aa39fd719145
Little, G. (2023, Nov. 1). Libraries piloting sensory rooms as supportive spaces for neurodiverse students. Penn State News. https://www.psu.edu/news/university-libraries/story/libraries-piloting-sensory-rooms-supportive-spaces-neurodiverse-students/
Penn State Berks Wellness Libguide & Instagram Tour
https://guides.libraries.psu.edu/berks/wellness/sensory
https://www.instagram.com/p/CwYAWaoI8u7/
East Carolina
Our East Carolina colleagues were generous in sharing their time in summer 2023 when we consulted with them upon starting our sensory initiative. They have a wonderful project going at ECU!
Loope, C., & Sanders, M. (2023). Creating a sensory room to support neurodiversity [Poster presentation]. Association of College and Research Libraries, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.
Woodward, R. (2022, Oct. 31). Sensory space embraced on 2nd floor. Joyner Library, East Carolina University. https://library.ecu.edu/2022/10/31/sensory-space-embraced-on-2nd-floor/
Susquehanna University
Susquehanna University’s sensory rooms are a huge inspiration!
Boyer, A., & El-Chidiac, A. (2023). Come chill out at the library: Creating soothing spaces for neurodiverse students. Journal of New Librarianship, 8, 41-47. https://doi.org/10.33011/newlibs/13/5
Dittbrenner, H. (2023, March 9). Blough-Weis Library creates spaces for neurodiverse students. Susquehanna University Newsroom. https://www.susqu.edu/live/news/1570-blough-weis-library-creates-spaces-for
University of North Texas Libraries
Thanks to UNT Libraries for answering our questions about their sensory kits. We recommend their libguide below as a great example of circulating sensory kits.
University of North Texas Libraries. Sensory kits libguide. https://guides.library.unt.edu/c.php?g=1187058&p=8698183
University of North Texas Libraries. Neurodiversity resources for UNT faculty and staff. https://guides.library.unt.edu/c.php?g=1000254&p=7242093
West Chester University Libraries
Our West Chester colleagues gave us a tour of their sensory rooms in summer 2023. Their rooms provide a great model for any library!
Walton, K., & McMullin, R. (2021). Welcoming autistic students to academic libraries through innovative space utilization. Pennsylvania Libraries, 9(2), 83-100. doi:10.5195/palrap.2021.259
McMullin, R. M., & Walton, K. R. (2019). Supporting students on the Autism Spectrum: A practical guide for academic libraries. Bloomsbury Publishing USA. https://www.elmstreetbooks.com/book/9781440863967
West Chester Communications & Marketing. Relaxation room helps WCU students alleviate stress as they prepare for final exams this week. (2021, Dec. 13). West Chester University News. https://www.wcupa.edu/communications/newsroom/2021/12.13rammyRelaxation.aspx
General Guides to Sensory Rooms and Sensory-Friendly Services:
A Guide to Setting Up Your Own Sensory Room
Experia and School Specialty offer tips on location, wall color, electrical components, sound insulation, and HVAC.
Mind Over Manners (Sensory Audit)
Lindsay Foundation provides this booklet: “This free sensory audit resource has been designed to help people and/or organisations assess and create an environment that is friendly to those with sensory sensitivities, such as people with autism.”
Sensory Friendly Solutions Self-Assessment Quiz
Sensory Friendly Solutions offers a free nine question quiz that can help you think about how to make spaces and events accessible.
Sensory-Friendly Shopping Is on the Rise — How Storeowners Can Do It Right
Written for businesses, but Footwear News offers pointers that can easily transfer to libraries!
How to Create a Sensory Room: A Complete Guide
Fun and Function offers a guide geared towards sensory rooms for children, but many of the ideas also apply to college libraries. They also offer a video.