Inclusive library for adolescents with dyslexia, ADHD, and/or autism

Abstract: Schools and libraries in Sweden strive to be inclusive of all groups in society, particularly people with disabilities. Both actors are responsible for making knowledge available to all, as knowledge is a necessary precondition for a democratic society that is both inclusive and well-functional. This study was carried out on behalf of the Svane and Hedda schools in Lund, which will be co-located in the autumn of 2023 and will have a completely new joint school. The thesis thus sought to investigate how Svane-Hedda's school library could be made more accessible and inclusive for the target group of adolescents with dyslexia, ADHD, and/or autism; a target group that is enrolled in the schools but was not considered in the construction planning before the start of this study. To understand the target group's needs and how the target group is excluded from school libraries, the degree project used multiple iterative design methodologies, with a focus on user-centered and universal design. The findings were then used to create a concept for how to make the Svane-Hedda library more inclusive and accessible to the target group. User tests have also been used to test and evaluate the concept. The final proposal includes audio files that can be accessed by scanning QR codes on the backs of books and library shelves. The idea is to make it less irritating, stressful, and time-consuming for the target group to navigate and find what they need in the library on their own. A proposal for a web application for librarians with the goal of creating and managing audio and QR code files has also been developed, tested, and evaluated. The developed concept has the potential to make the school library more accessible and inclusive for the target group, and it addresses several of the expressed needs of the target group. To guide further development of the presented concept, improvement suggestions for the developed concept are included at the end of the study.