Share Your Perspective: ADHD in Our Libraries and Profession

Abstract

ADDitude Magazine (n.d.), geared toward individuals with ADHD, rated librarianship as the 5th worst job out of 10 for those with “restless minds and creative spirits.” While some may agree that a profession which traditionally valued quiet and “keeping every Dewey Decimal in its proper place” might not be the best for neurodivergent folks struggling with inattentiveness, others see the structure and dynamic nature of librarianship as an ideal setting. National Resource Center, Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD), list distractibility, impulsivity, hyperactivity, poor memory, boredom-blockouts, time management difficulties, procrastination, difficulty managing long-term projects, paperwork/details, and interpersonal/social skill issues being the top workplace issues for adults with ADHD but also offer specific tips to address each issue. In this facilitated discussion, we will discuss ADHD our libraries and/or as librarians with care to not disclose personal information that is not our own, and even then, only at the discretion of each participant with no disclosure preferred over participant comfort. By the end of the discussion, participants will walk away with a better understanding of how to help themselves or co-workers and patrons with ADHD.