Service Proposal for Patrons with Learning Disabilities
Throughout my Resources and Services for Diverse Populations course, I learned about and discussed how to meet the unique needs of different patron populations. This program plan assesses and addresses the needs of individual patrons who experience learning disabilities, particularly dyslexia and other reading disorders. Researching learning disabilities and how libraries serve this diverse population helped me to better understand their needs and how to meet these needs. Though there was limited research on how libraries serve those with learning disabilities, I was able to combine research on learning disabilities with research on and observations of library services in order to judge what could be done better. By considering the collection of the Andover Public Library, I was able to gain experience in judging a specific set of resources and materials to determine whether or not it meets the needs of a given patron group. After identifying areas for growth, I provided specific suggestions for improvement in both the resources available and services provided for these individuals within a limited budget.